BMW reveals plug-in hybrid X2 SUV

BMW has expanded its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) range with the introduction of the new X2 25e small SUV, however like its related X1 grade, there are no current plans for an Australian introduction.

Set for release later this year, the X2 25e uses the same powertrain set-up as the X1, namely a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine developing 92kW/220Nm teamed to an electric motor capable of 70kW/165Nm, resulting in a combined output of 162kW/385Nm.

The petrol engine drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, while the electric motor drives the rear wheels for all-wheel drive.

Sprinting from standstill to 100km/h takes 6.8 seconds – 0.1s quicker than the equivalent X1 – with a top speed of 195km/h.

The 9.7kWh lithium-ion battery system is capable of an electric-only driving range of up to 57km, with a zero-emission top speed of 135km/h.

Combined-cycle fuel consumption is rated at between 1.9 and 2.1 litres per 100km, while carbon emissions are pegged at 43 to 47 grams of CO2 per km.

Charging the battery from empty to 80 per cent takes three hours and 48 minutes through a conventional household socket, while using a BMW i Wallbox cuts the time to three hours and 12 minutes while also fully topping up the battery.

Along with the Max eDrive mode and usual Comfort, Sport and Eco settings, the system also features BMW’s Save Battery mode, which uses petrol power only to maintain the battery level or even top it up for use at a later point.

When travelling in electric-only mode at speeds up to 30km/h, the X2 25e uses acoustic pedestrian protection which emits a specific sound to alert pedestrians of the approaching car “without impairing the acoustic comfort of the vehicle occupants”, according to BMW.

BMW has not detailed how much storage is sacrificed with the fitment of the battery pack, however the plug-in hybrid sacrifices 35 litres with the rear seats up, and 70 litres when folded.

Standard kit on the 25e includes 17-inch light alloy wheels and dual-zone automatic air conditioning, while a range of style packages are available for fitment.

BMW Australia told GoAuto that the brand’s local arm has no currently plans to bring either the X1 or X2 25e Down Under, however it is constantly studying the market to assess what customers are after.

In 2019 BMW sold 1303 examples of the X2, marking a 12.0 per cent lift over 2018 when it first launched locally in March.

It sold just less than half of the volume of its X1 stablemate, which managed 2847 sales in the 2019 calendar year, narrowly falling short of the Volvo XC40 (2858) to lead the premium compact SUV segment.