The Bavarian carmaker has practically invented a whole new niche in the automotive industry, a niche we call coupe SUVs these days. It all started with the X6 model and these days, there are numerous luxury crossovers with a coupe-like layout. BMW is about to add another vehicle of this kind to the lineup and that will be a new flagship model of the brand. As you may presume, we are talking about the 2021 BMW X8, which could arrive already in the next year, according to some reports.
Although the officials are still quiet about this model, it’s not particularly hard to predict most of the design characteristics. Of course, the new model will be based on a more conventional X7, with the same mechanics and interior design. The engine lineup should look pretty much the same as well, while the biggest difference should be in terms of the exterior design. As we’ve just mentioned, the new model should hit the market already in the next year.
2021 BMW X8 Exterior
The 2021 BMW X8 will be heavily based on the X7, which arrived last year. This particularly refers to mechanics, as the two models are about to ride on the same version of the company’s CLAR platform. That’s a stretched version of the same architecture that underprints the X5 model and it this case, it measures more than 122 inches in wheelbase. Some smaller tweaks in terms of the suspension setup are possible, but most of the things will certainly remain the same.
When it comes to the styling, the front end will look identically. Count on the same massive grille and bold front fascia, which looks bigger than ever. Most of the body will be the same, while the most notable differences will be at the rear end, where we are about to see a sloping roof design and probably some revisions on taillights and similar parts.
Interior
When it comes to the interior design, the dashboard should look pretty much the same as in the odd-numbered twin. This means a lot of quality will be there, as the X7 features some really impressive materials. Aesthetics should come in a typical BMW manner, with a relatively simplistic approach. Of course, the large 12.3-inch touchscreen should be standard, as well as the same digital instrument cluster.
On the other side, the back part of the cabin will be a little bit different. Of course, we are talking about the sloping roof design, which in practice means less headroom in the second row and lack of the third row. We presume that the coupe version will also feature slightly shorter overhangs, which means less cargo space as well. More details will be known in the future.
Features
When it comes to standard and available equipment, we presume that things won’t be much different compared to the X7. Therefore, base models should come with tech goodies like a 12.3-inch iDrive infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, 10 speakers, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. We also count on goodies like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, quad-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a wireless smartphone charging pad etc. When it comes to optional features, some of the highlights are things like remote start, five-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled cupholders, rear-seat entertainment screens, 12- and 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereos, and a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system.
The list of standard safety features should include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, a driver drowsiness monitor, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
2021 BMW X8 Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, you may count on BMW’s familiar units. Base models will come equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six, which puts out around 335 horsepower. There is also a well-known twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 456 horsepower. The same engine powers the M50i version, which puts out 523 horsepower.
Of course, we also count on the 2021 BMW X8 M, with a max output of 600+ horsepower. All engines will come in pair with 8-speed automatic transmission.
2021 BMW X8 Release Date and Price
While some reports suggest that the 2021 BMW X8 could arrive already in next year, the fact is that the company is still quiet about this model. So, take this with a reserve. When it comes to the price, we presume that base models will go around 80.000 dollars. Key competitors will be models like Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne Coupe etc.