BMW X2 "absolutely right" for Oz

If you thought the quasi SUV-coupe segment had reached saturation point, think again: BMW Australia believes there is still plenty of scope for growth.

With confirmation at last month’s Paris motor show that BMW will bring its X2 Concept to market, BMW Australia’s head of product and market planning, Shawn Ticehurst, says the new model would be key to BMW’s volume growth in Australia.

Citing ongoing demand for coupe-style crossovers like the X6 and conceptually similar X4, Ticehurst said the X2 would become a key volume model while rejecting suggestions that 'SUV-coupes' were simply a fad.

“That car is absolutely right for this market,” he said. “There’s going to be really big demand for it, it’s an exciting one.”

BMW’s eagerness to land more SUV-coupe models is being mirrored over at luxury rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi, who are also busy proliferating their SUV portfolios.

Mercedes-Benz will take on the mid-size GLC Coupe from November, in addition to its small GLA and large GLE Coupe, while Audi is said to be working on Q1, Q6 and Q8 coupe-like spinoffs of the upcoming Q2, Q5 and existing Q7 respectively.

“You look at the growth on the X4 car, for example. It’s only been here two years and this year has been another booming year for it,” Ticehurst demonstrated.

“There’s talk about the X2 [arriving] in 2018 and beyond. [It is for the person] who likes the idea of an SUV, wants something a bit sportier and distinctive, and loves what the BMW driving experience and BMW brand experience is all about

“It’s that sportier iteration of an X1 -- it will do well.”

Shown in Paris, the X2 presents a new styling language for BMW, employing a more prominent 'kidney' grille, a large central air duct and heavily raked A-pillar that stretches back to a tapered rear roofline and angular tailgate.

BMW has not given details on engine or specification details at this point, so stay tuned.