BMW’s Smallest Crossover Coupe Thing Is Almost Ready To Take On The Acura ADX

Spy photographers have caught the next iteration of the BMW X2 undergoing hot-weather testing in Spain, and while the extensive camouflage disguises its new looks, the final production bodywork is evident, revealing several changes. The X2 has become more important to BMW in recent years, with its increased size and swoopy roofline causing the X4 to go away (though an electric version of the larger coupe crossover will still happen), and the version seen here with four exhaust tips is getting a new name. Formerly known as the X2 M35i xDrive, the new model is expected to arrive for 2027 with the name X2 M40 xDrive, which could indicate more power under the hood – though the Bimmer already produces more than the 190-horsepower Acura ADX.

BMW X2 Gets Racier For 2027

The current BMW X2 35i produces 312 hp from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, making it the most powerful application of the B48 engine, and if the name is being bumped to M40, as our spies claim, that suggests more grunt. It could be confusing, though, as the M40 name has historically only been applied to vehicles with the B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, an engine that is too long to be mounted transversely in the X2, but then again, BMW has been giving bigger badges out lately. B58 engines now appear in vehicles with M50 badging, and vehicles that used to have M60i badging are getting the M70 suffix in the age of electrification. Therefore, it stands to reason that this sportier X2 will keep its four-cylinder engine, just with more power than before. Aftermarket tuners have managed to exceed 500 hp without a bigger turbo, so it’s certainly possible.

The new X2 will also be different inside, with a Panoramic Vision iDrive setup coming. This will mean a free-standing touchscreen display in the center of the dashboard for infotainment, with all major driving information projected onto the base of the windshield, spanning the width of the cabin. We can also expect new seats and a new steering wheel, but interestingly, this X2 prototype appears to be eschewing the four-spoke design of the latest Neue Klasse vehicles like the iX3 and i3, though the airbag and side spokes appear to be the same.

Neue Klasse Design For New BMW X2

At the front, the new BMW X2 is getting a whole new nose, with a Neue Klasse-inspired design that pairs two narrow, vertically aligned kidney grilles with a mask-like fascia leading into the headlights. Below these elements, a large central intake will appear, and since this is the spiciest version of the X2, the lower intake will be split into two openings, a design trope seen on the M Vision Neue Klasse concept. The sloped roofline is maintained, and the rear haunches are prominent, but it’s the back of the vehicle that is the most exciting. Here, the fastback-style rear flows into a chunky spoiler below the rear glass. The rear end drops off dramatically, creating a slab-like rear end that will be broken up by a tall diffuser panel with plenty of gloss black detailing, just like the front. A quad-exit exhaust setup with round tips finishes off the sporty look, and we can expect various wheel designs and caliper color options to add further spice. It’ll be a while yet before we see the full lighting signature and the completed design, but a reveal should take place before the end of the year or early in 2027.