New BMW X2 M35i revealed: the first of the four-pot M cars

These are the latest spy pictures of the upcoming BMW X2...

...which will be positioned between the second-generation X1 and the current X3 in BMW's line-up when it goes on sale in the second quarter of next year.

Based on the same platform as the Mini Countryman, the X2 was previewed by a thinly disguised concept car at the Paris motor show in September 2016.

BMW officials have already confirmed to Autocar that the X2 will follow the example of the larger X4 and X6 in receiving a uniquely styled steel body.

These spy pictures show the X2 will be significantly longer and wider than the X1, with a shorter rear overhang and high-set bonnet.

The extreme angle of the tailgate is designed to give the X2 a more coupé-like silhouette, differentiating it from the more practical X1.

Much of the dramatic X2 concept’s looks have been carried over to the production model, although the window line has been lowered to create a larger glasshouse and the front lights have been widened.

A brace of 148bhp, 187bhp and 227bhp 2.0-litre diesels bearing xDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive25d badges will be available from the car's launch. Six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes will be available across the range.

One petrol will be available at launch, the xDrive20i, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit producing 189bhp.

A hotter, roughly 300bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol will come later with induction system changes and other tweaks, likely with M badging akin to the 2 Series M40i. It’s unlikely that a full-fat X2 M will arrive any time soon, though.

The X2 will be produced alongside the X1 at BMW’s Regensburg factory in Germany, unlike the first-generation X1, which was built alongside the 1 Series and 3 Series at the company’s Leipzig plant.

Increasing demand for key models and the establishment of production lines for the i3 electric car and i8 hybrid sports car at that site has forced BMW to reorganise its strategy.

Rivals for the X2 include the Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Volvo XC60. It is expected that the X2 will start at around £30,000 and fills the only gap in BMW’s X SUV line-up, ahead of the launch of the X7 early next year.