Rumors that BMW is planning an X8 model based on the X7 have been flying around for quite some time. The German firm has yet to officially confirm the SUV, but a recent trademark filing suggests that BMW is indeed working on the X8. The German trademark office recently published a filing from BMW for the "X8 M" moniker. Sure, trademarks are often filed to simply protect a name, but why would BMW want to protect the "X8 M" badge since there's no X8 production model yet? Because an X8 is coming soon, obviously.
What exactly is the BMW X8?
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before_label=2021 BMW X8 Rendering |
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Since the X4 is based on the X3 and the X6 is based on the X6, the X8 will be based on the X7. The latter is the company's largest SUV, so the X8 will become the flagship coupe crossover, so it will slot on top of the X6. This also means that the X8 will compete in a niche of its own, as it will be larger than vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe,Audi Q8, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.}
The X8 will also share underpinnings with the X7. As of April 2020, the SUV is available in five trims. The gasoline lineup starts with the xDrive40i, powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Then there's the xDrive50i, powered by a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 that cranks out 456 horses and 479 pound-feet. Finally, the X7 M50i generates 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet, also from a 4.4-liter V-8.
2020 BMW X7 - gasoline lineup
Engine |
3.0-liter six-cylinder |
twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 |
twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 |
---|---|---|---|
Horsepower |
335 HP @ 5,500 – 6,500 RPM |
456 HP @ 5,250 – 6,000 RPM |
523 HP |
Torque |
330 LB-FT @ 1,500 – 5,200 |
479 LB-FT @ 1,500 – 4,750 RPM |
553 LB-FT |
0-60 mph seconds |
5.8 |
5.2 |
4.4 |
Top speed mph |
130 |
130 |
155 |
When it comes to diesels, there's the xDrive30d with a 3.0-liter inline-six good for 261 horsepower and 457 pound-feet. A quad-turbo version of this engine powers the M50d trim, rated at 394 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of twist.
BMW X7 diesel lineup
Engine |
3.0-liter six-cylinder |
3.0-liter six-cylinder |
---|---|---|
Horsepower |
261 hp |
394 HP |
Torque |
457 LB-FT |
561 LB-FT |
0-60 mph seconds |
7.0 |
5.4 |
Top speed mph |
141 |
155 |
With no X7 M to talk about, we don't know what engine it might use, but the beefed-up V-8 in the current M5 is a solid candidate. This mill cranks out 591 horsepower.
BMW M5 specifications
Engine |
4.4-liter V-8 |
---|---|
Horsepower |
591 HP @ 5,600 – 6,700 RPM |
Torque |
553 LB-FT @ 1,800 – 5,600 RPM |
Transmission |
Eight-speed M Steptronic |
0 to 60 mph |
3.4 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 mph |
When will the BMW X8 arrive?
If the X8 is already in the works as rumored by some outlets, it could break cover sometime in 2021. This means that it will go on sale for the 2022 model year. The M version will arrive a bit later, most likely in late 2022.