From a conceptual approach standpoint (setting aside the realities of countries of origin)  what say you?

CVR(T), Wiesel, or BMP-2? Something else?  Why?

Scorpion is the way to go. Wiesel is a protected weapons carrier. BMP-2????

Can swim and carry scouts

Refleks said:

Can swim and carry scouts

that's the question really, isn't it? Do we want the vehicle to scout or the dismounts?

Exactly! Now, you could always assign another vehicle to carry scouts if that is called for, picture a CAAT like arrangement with a mix of task organized vehicles, but then overall unit size is larger.

So what approach is preferable?

Refleks said:

So what approach is preferable?

CV90 with periscope and ESM and 4 scout dismounts?

Perhaps.  I referenced BMP originally because it was about the smallest IFV I could think of and wanted to stay as close as I could get to CVR(T) in size rather than stray too deep into larger IFV territory (ie, bradley), but looking now the CV90 is very comparable in size to BMP and much better ergonomically.

In general, do you think the flexibility a light armored vehicle with dismounts affords would be superior in the light armored reconnaissance role than one without dismounts, if the tradeoff is larger vehicle size and more casualties if they fail to see the enemy before the enemy sees them?

Refleks said:

Can swim and carry scouts

I think both capabilities are very desirable, although I doubt that BMP-2 is the best option.

The ARV may be a better choice.

graylion said:

       Refleks said: Can swim and carry scouts

that's the question really, isn't it? Do we want the vehicle to scout or the dismounts?

IMO, that's the wrong question.  I think the question is not if we want a recon vehicle to carry dismounts, but how many dismounts should be carried?

I spent a year assigned to a tank battalion's scout platoon, and while the majority of our training was mounted, we also trained for dismounted recon.

You can expect there to be some scenarios wherein it would be better to send dismounts forward, rather than risk exposing the vehicle to the enemy.

M3. Best chance to fight your way out if you're spotted before withdrawal.