In 2019, BMW was toying with the thought of an ultra-premium SUV to sit down above the already very fashionable X7. The seven seater luxurious SUV was internally often known as “The President” whereas the crossover deliberate above was referred to as “The Rockstar.” And the rockstar wanted a reputation. Initially, the BMW X8 identify was being thrown round, however the advertising and marketing division wanted one thing greater than only a common crossover. That is how the BMW XM was born.

BMW X8 vs. XM: Tracing the Evolution of a Luxurious Crossover

How tangible was the BMW X8’s existence? Our intensive discussions concerning the automobile started in 2017, following rumors that it was within the planning part. In 2019, we first discovered of a possible BMW X8 M, rumored to boast over 600 horsepower – a mannequin we now acknowledge because the XM. Subsequently, a number of months later, we delved into the X8 45e, which in the end turned out to be the XM 50e.

Then one other extra highly effective BMW X8 M was referenced in 2020 once we talked about an influence output of 750 horsepower. As a substitute, that turned out to be the BMW XM Label Crimson, or just now, XM Label. After all, the BMW X8 would have been a BMW AG product whereas the XM was engineered by the M wizards in Garching.

The BMW X8 That By no means Was: A Story of Market Technique and Evolution

Opposite to varied stories, the BMW X8 venture didn’t progress past its evolution into the XM. The product hole would have been too slim, and the gross sales of an X8 would seemingly have cannibalized these of the XM, or vice versa. Nevertheless, some journalists, ourselves included, preserve that BMW ought to have named the XM because the X8. Moreover, we argue that the automobile might have been enhanced with an air suspension system, complementing the load of its plug-in hybrid configuration. Thus, branding it because the BMW X8 M50e or X8 M60e would have been a savvy advertising and marketing determination.

What’s Subsequent for BMW SUVs? Assessing the Potential of an X8 Revival

Is there a risk that BMW will introduce an X8 sooner or later, notably with the approaching arrival of the Neue Klasse structure? Based on our sources, there are not any present plans for an X8 luxurious SUV. Nevertheless, the prospect of a second-generation XM is on the desk, though it hasn’t obtained official approval but. The XM’s worldwide success stays unsure, so its future will likely be determined based mostly on its market efficiency.

So ought to BMW make an X8 above the X7? Tell us within the feedback under!