Skip advert
Advertisement

New BMW Urban X crossover to take on Audi Q2

The new BMW Urban X will be the brand’s smallest SUV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look

BMW is in the final stages of a plan to add a new baby SUV to its model range, in an attempt to capitalise on the growth of affordable, compact crossovers.

The firm has one of the largest SUV line-ups in the industry, stretching from the X1 to the X7. During the first half of 2019 almost 45 per cent of the company’s sales were made up of SUVs – the highest figures the firm has ever recorded, and up almost 10 per cent on the same period last year.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best small SUVs and crossovers

The rapid rise in the popularity of SUVs has encouraged bosses to look at other areas of opportunity. The first will be a crossover measuring between 4.1 and 4.2 metres to take on the likes of the Audi Q2 and new DS 3 Crossback. For context, BMW’s smallest current SUV, the X2, measures in at 4,360mm long.

Previewed by our exclusive images, the new crossover will retain many of BMW’s trademark styling cues, such as the bold kidney grille and thin LED headlamps. But, the biggest differentiator will come in the car’s name; it’s understood that this new model will be the first SUV to break away from BMW’s X1 to X7 naming structure; Urban X (pronounced Urban Cross) is understood to be the frontrunner.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Thanks to BMW’s expansive product portfolio, a lot of the Urban X’s running gear can be cherry-picked from the firm’s existing vehicles. The firm’s smallest and latest architecture, called UKL2, has been developed from the well known front-wheel-drive platform that first appeared in 2014, and UKL2 will form a base for the new Urban X.

Crucially the platform is already equipped for electrification. From the 48-volt mild-hybrid system to powerful plug-in hybrid powertrains and even a fully electric set-up with a range of more than 240 miles, BMW already has a full suite of powertrain options to give the Urban X a fighting chance of success from the moment it launches.

As a plug-in hybrid, and even in pure-electric guise, an electrified rear axle would allow four-wheel drive to be introduced – the same principle can be seen on the existing 2 Series Active Tourer MPV; the 225xe’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine sends power to the front wheels and an electric motor drives the rears.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult for premium manufacturers to ignore the growing trend of small SUVs. Between 2011 and 2016, global sales increased from 950,000 to 4.45 million vehicles. By next year, analysts are expecting this to rise to about 7.5 million.

Audi has also flirted with the idea of developing an even smaller crossover, called the Q1. Audi CEO Bram Schot told us: “Don’t be surprised if you see the car in two or three years, as we react fast to markets.”

Baby SUV rivals

Audi Q2

Audi Q2 - Front

Audi was the first premium brand to launch a baby crossover with the Q2; a Q1 could also be on the way.

DS 3 Crossback

DS 3 Crossback - front

DS is looking to compete with the German premium brands, starting with its small electric crossover 

What do you think of our exclusive BMW Urban X images? Let us know your thoughts below…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New BMW Concept Speedtop is an ultra-rare shooting brake with looks to die for
BMW Concept Speedtop - front

New BMW Concept Speedtop is an ultra-rare shooting brake with looks to die for

Couldn’t get on the shortlist for the BMW Skytop? Here’s the hard-top version – but only 70 will be made
News
23 May 2025
Ultra-exclusive BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first and possibly last time
BMW Skytop - front 3/4

Ultra-exclusive BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first and possibly last time

Only 50 examples of the elegant V8-powered two-seater will be made, each costing approximately £500,000, and they’ve all been sold
News
16 May 2025
Exclusive BMW M-branded halo car due after limited Skytop convertible goes down a storm
BMW Concept Skytop - front end

Exclusive BMW M-branded halo car due after limited Skytop convertible goes down a storm

The reception for the £500k one-of-50 BMW convertible has been so strong, the maker is planning more exclusive cars
News
25 Apr 2025
New BMW HypersonX tech to make EVs sound like ‘the pleasure of driving’
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept - front

New BMW HypersonX tech to make EVs sound like ‘the pleasure of driving’

Neue Klasse cars will be able to tailor sounds based on the driving situation, starting with the new iX3
News
17 Apr 2025

Most Popular

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales
Luxury car tax

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales

Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
News
22 May 2025
The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm
Nissan Micra - front

The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm

The Nissan Micra makes a long-awaited return as an EV and is set to offer up to 253 miles of range
News
21 May 2025
BYD Dolphin Surf review
BYD Dolphin Surf - front

BYD Dolphin Surf review

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a roomy, sophisticated, and competitively priced electric city car that’ll find plenty of willing buyers
In-depth reviews
23 May 2025