BMW just introduced the new 8 Series earlier this year, and in doing so, resurrected the 8 Series nameplate after roughly two decades on the shelf. Fans already adore the new luxury-laden grand tourer, but now it's looking like BMW might apply some of its 8’er gloss to its SUV line as well.

Is This The New Top Of The Line?

Note: 2017 BMW Concept X7 iPerformance pictured here.


It’s certainly within the realm of possibility, as reported by Car Buzz, who spoke with Ralph Mahler, BMW’s chief of U.S. Product Planning and Strategy, at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last month, who said “There’s always room to grow” with regards to BMW’s SUV lineup.

This latest rumor was also reinforced by our friends over at BMW Blog, who report that the Bavarians are indeed mulling the idea of a G09-based X8 for the 2020 model year. However, rather than simply applying a coupe-like roof to the existing X7, BMW Blog suggests the X8 will be a completely new model offering the absolute top-shelf in terms of luxury and comfort.

If true, such a model would most likely be based on the X7 under the skin, with the same platform and even the same engine configuration. The current X7 comes equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, good enough for a run to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph. Above the ‘six is a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 variant that produces 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, dropping the run to 60 mph to 5.2 seconds and upping the top speed to 155 mph. We think the latter powerplant is the obvious choice for a new flagship.

That’s all well and good, but like BMW Blog, we feel that a V-12 would be far more appropriate for an SUV framed as offering the best of the best. Something like the M760Li’s 610-horsepower monster would fit the bill perfectly.

We’re thinking a maximum of four seats, with a duo of captain’s chairs in the rear. We’re also imagining oodles of space, individual entertainment screens, quilted leather, a recline function, massage function, heating and ventilation, a champagne chiller - you know, the works. BMW Blog says a third row might be possible as well, and mentions that its sources at BMW say that the X8’s roofline will be different from that on the X7.

All told, an X8 model as outlined here would be quite pricey indeed. In fact, all that luxury, all that space, and even a possible V-12 under the hood would make it more expensive than the current X7, and possibly more expensive model than anything else in the entire BMW stable. That means it would top the $163,300 price tag attached to the i8 Roadster. We’re thinking around $190,000 would make sense, providing a nice stop-gap before you get into $325,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan (as a reminder, BMW owns Rolls-Royce).

What do you think about the prospect of a new flagship SUV from BMW? What would you like to see it bring to the table? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Read our full review on the 2019 BMW X7.

Read our full review of the 2019 BMW 8 Series.

Read our full review of the 2020 BMW 8 Series Convertible.