Rumors that BMW was preparing the coupe-shaped M version of its X8 SUV for production date as far as three years back, even before the reveal of the X7. Now, however, we have what is almost an official confirmation of the X8 M.
BMW has successfully acquired trademark rights for the model, which almost guarantees that the SUV is already well into its development phase. No official information was provided, but it is a safe bet to expect a slanted roof outside and four seats inside. From the technical point of view, chances are good that the middle-to-high-end version called M45e comes out packing an inline six engine assisted by an electric motor. The range-topping model should ship with the standard BMW V8 4.4 TT rated close to 625 hp (460 kW).
The likeliest premiere timeframe is from late this year to early 2021. It is possible that BMW decides to show us a concept car first and finalize its appearance later. No official or spy photos of the X8 M exist to date, and what you see in our gallery and the video here are unofficial 3D renderings.
The market launch should happen sometime in late 2021 or 2022, and the flagship M should be expected within a year after that.
The BMW X8 M will undoubtedly prove the German marque’s most expensive mass-produced vehicle on record, surpassing even the V12-packing M760Li xDrive sedan/saloon.