BMW May Offer X8 SUV as Sporty Range Rover Rival

Back in September, BMW introduced the X7 iPerformance concept ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show as a preview of its upcoming three-row SUV, the X7. The styling was pretty controversial, but it will probably sell well simply because it’s a three-row luxury SUV. But according to the latest report, the X7 might not be the largest, most expensive SUV in BMW’s lineup for long.

Speaking to Autocar, Klaus Frohlich, BMW’s head of development hinted that an X8 might be in the works, as well. “There is room for X8, especially in markets like China, but there are no decisions yet. Each car must have a distinct character, and these are the sort of areas that take time to evaluate,” he told the British news outlet.

If BMW does decide to build the X8, though, it sounds like it will get the same “four-door coupe” styling that we’ve seen on the X6 and X4. “It is early to talk about X8, but one of the first decisions I made when I worked on product strategy was to take the X5 and make the X6,” said Frohlich. “Everyone said it was not necessary, but it worked. Now we have the X2, X4, and X6. They are emotional and sporty derivatives that work for us.”

Frohlich didn’t say whether this hypothetical X8 would be larger than the X7 or how many passengers it would seat, but it’s hard to imagine BMW building a three-row SUV with less headroom for rear passengers. Will BMW stretch the X8 to prevent the coupe-like roofline from compromising headroom, or will it remove the back row? Perhaps both? It’s too early to do more than guess, but no matter what, you have to assume the X8 will be one seriously swanky ride if it ever goes into production.

Source: Autocar

 

 

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