BMW X2 SUV to get facelift in 2021

• X2 gets styling changes in line with the facelifted X1
• Interior may get a tech boost
• Launch possible later this year

The BMW X2 is set to get a midlife refresh next year, as previewed by these spy shots. The car will get a styling update and upgraded technology, mirroring the recent changes made to the BMW X1.

We expect to see the new X2 in showrooms next year, with prices starting from around £31,000. The X2 is a coupe version of the X1 and is BMW’s smallest SUV, rivalling the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q2, Volvo XC40 and MINI Countryman.

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2021 BMW X2 SUV styling

As is the way with many midlife updates, the majority of the X2’s bodywork will remain untouched, but you’ll be able to spot the new car by a series of tweaks. The front grilles look much bigger than on the current car, and the LED daytime running lights will be a new shape. The round fog lamps just below the headlights will go - these are merely stickers on this development car - and it’s likely that LED fog lights will be integrated into the lower air intakes.

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Judging by its wide lower grille, heavily styled bumpers and big wheels, this prototype is the sporty-looking M Sport trim level. It’s not clear whether the new X2 will have the same amount of body cladding as before, as the camouflage hides it.

Interior

The big news inside is that the iDrive infotainment system is likely to feature touchscreen functionality for the first time. Besides that, it’s thought BMW will limit any changes to new upholstery and trim options, but there’s the possibility that more safety kit and driver assistance will be available.

BMW X2 plug-in hybrid

In the next couple of months, BMW will introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model called the X2 xDrive25e, which will continue to be available in the facelifted model. Using a 123bhp petrol engine, a 94bhp electric motor and a 10kWh battery, the X2 will be pretty quick: acceleration from 0-62mph will take 6.8 seconds. In the X1 xDrive25e, BMW claims 148.7mpg and an electric-only range of 35 miles, and the X2 will post similar figures.

Engines

Besides the new plug-in hybrid version, it’s likely that the engine range will get small improvements to improve economy and performance. The X2 shares its engine range with the BMW 1 Series but economy isn’t quite as good because the X2 is a little heavier. Still, the diesels return over 50mpg, and most petrols manage over 40mpg. All-wheel-drive models get an xDrive badge, while front-wheel-drive versions are called sDrive.

Practicality

With the main body of the car staying the same as before, it’s highly unlikely that the X2 will gain any extra space for rear-seat passengers. The BMW X1 SUV will be better if you regularly carry adults in the back seats but the X2 is deliberately more style-focused. Boot space stands at 470 litres in the current car, but the incoming plug-in hybrid model will offer slightly less due to the bulky battery. For a comparison, the X1 xDrive25e hybrid loses 40 litres compared to petrol and diesel models.

Read our BMW X2 review for more details.