BMW could be ready to top its massive X7 SUV, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with an X8. The Concept X7 iPerformance was revealed in Germany to a mixed reaction, with its imposing stance and brutalist styling dividing opinion on the show floor.
But the brand is hugely confident about the production version of the car, and Auto Express understands a luxurious X8 is being considered.
An insider at the company suggested to Auto Express that an X8 was “under serious discussion” internally. While acknowledging that the styling of the X7 concept has not met with universal approval, our source also said that BMW fully expects it to sell strongly in markets including the US, Russia and China, where there would be an appetite for an even bigger, more ostentatious SUV. Precedents for an X8 have already been set elsewhere in the range with the X2, X4 and X6.
The move would also make sense in light of BMW’s decision to rebrand its most premium cars under the Bayerische Motoren Werk banner, in a bid to give them a common identity.
“The luxury segment is very important for us,” explained Hildegard Wortmann, senior vice president, brand BMW. “We decided to create a different visual identity for the 7 Series, 8 and X7. It is modern luxury for customers who have achieved something in their lives.”
However, what form an X8 would take is not yet clear. Adopting the swoopy roofline of existing models like the X6 and X4 is one option, while an extended wheelbase version of the production X7 would be feasible, too. There’s also the possibility of using the forthcoming Rolls-Royce Cullinan’s architecture for a BMW flagship.
Wortmann refused to rule out the possibility of an X8 when quizzed by Auto Express, simply smiling and saying “Let’s see”, when pressed.
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