This year BMW is expanding its lineup of X-badged crossovers with not only new editions of the X4 and X5, but also completely new models, like the X2 and X7. BMW may not be stopping there, since its recently trademarked the X8 name, which hints at an even more exclusive flagship crossover.

BMW X7 iPerformance Concept
BMW X7 iPerformance Concept

The 2019 BMW X7 flagship crossover hasn’t even been revealed yet, but BMW may be thinking about going even more upmarket with the addition of a new X8 crossover, which would give BMW a Range Rover rival. According to Autocar, the BMW X8 could be a more coupe-like crossover than the X7 and compete against models, like the upcoming Audi Q8 and even cheaper versions of the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

BMW’s head of development, Klaus Fröhlich, recently hinted at the X8 becoming a reality. “The sector is growing fast, so there will be opportunity,” stated Fröhlich. “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.”

Although it looks like the X8 is a done deal, BMW still needs to decide if it will be a more coupe-like version of the X7 or maybe even a long wheelbase version with a more spacious second row and sleeker roofline. Either way, the X8 is expected to only offer seating for up to five passengers with only two row of seats, compared to the three row X7.

Source: Autocar