Overview of the 2023 BMW X8: Pursuing Rolls-Royce Luxury

2023 BMW X8 seems determined to label every SUV they create with a different number. The upcoming X8 is the next contender in the BMW lineup, but with the X7 already present and the XM on its way, where does the X8 fit in? The 2023 BMW X8 crossover is expected to be a more luxurious sibling to the performance-focused XM. It will offer seating for occupants in two rows, focusing on exceptional comfort and inching closer to the realm of Maybach and Rolls-Royce. Meanwhile, the X7 will cater to customers who require up to seven seats. The X8 aims to be the ultimate luxury crossover flagship for the affluent.

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Release Date of the BMW X8

BMW first explored the possibility of an X8 as early as 2017, and they even filed a trademark for the X8 M. However, the exact release date for the 2023 BMW X8 remains unknown. It is expected to arrive after the XM, which is scheduled to enter production at the end of 2022 and be available in early 2023. Therefore, the X8 is unlikely to debut in the United States before the end of 2023.

Price of the 2023 X8

While there is no official information regarding the price of the 2023 BMW X8, its position in the lineup suggests a starting point around $160,000 would not be surprising. The Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe will not be direct competitors for the X8. Instead, BMW will likely target models such as the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV, which has an MSRP starting above $165,000, and the Bentley Bentayga, with a base price exceeding $180,000. BMW might try to undercut these rivals, but the expected price range for the XM, which will focus more on performance, falls within the same bracket. The 2023 X8, on the other hand, will prioritize pushing the boundaries of technology and luxury for the brand.

Interior and Cargo Space of the 2023 BMW X8

BMW has recently raised the bar in interior design, as seen in the 7 Series sedan and iX SUV. As the future flagship SUV, the BMW X8’s interior will need to be flawless. With extra room in the second row and the absence of a third row, reclining seats are expected, along with the availability of BMW’s impressive theater screen that folds down from the roof. Other innovations from the 7 Series, such as the panoramic sky lounge LED roof and BMW Interaction Bar, will likely be adapted for the X8 as well. At the front, the latest iDrive system will be connected to a widescreen display featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and other connectivity features.

The seats in the 2023 BMW X8 are expected to provide supreme comfort and will likely be upholstered in leather or potentially offer some greener alternatives. BMW’s glass controls and high-quality wood trim will contribute to an opulent environment, enticing customers away from Maybach and other luxury brands.

Although trunk and cargo space may not be the X8’s primary focus, as the X7 is better suited for transporting families and their belongings, the X8, being a crossover, will still offer ample room for four passengers.

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Exterior Design and Colors of the New BMW X8

There are still uncertainties surrounding the exterior design of the BMW X8. However, if we consider the XM as a reference, it is likely to evoke mixed opinions. BMW’s even-numbered SUVs typically feature sportier and coupe-like styling. While this design approach may limit cabin space, it contributes to a more athletic aesthetic. We can expect a large grille at the front, but hopefully not as exaggerated as on the XM. Another possibility is the split-headlight design seen in the latest X7, as BMW is utilizing this feature to distinguish its flagship models.

The color options for the 2023 BMW X8 are still unknown. As the brand’s flagship SUV, it should have access to the full range of BMW’s Individual colors, allowing for a wide variety of choices.

Dimensions of the BMW X8

To provide generous legroom in the second row, matching or even surpassing that of the 7 Series sedan, the 2023 BMW X8will likely have ample dimensions. The base X6 already measures 194.8 inches in length, so the new X8 SUV is expected to exceed 200 inches in length. Its width and height will also create a larger footprint compared to the X6. The three-row X7 measures over 203 inches, and while the X8 may reach a similar length, it is anticipated to forgo the third row in favor of enhanced comfort in the second row.

Engine and Performance of the BMW X8

Internally known as “Project Rockstar,” the X8 (or XM) is expected to become BMW’s most powerful SUV ever. It will achieve this by combining a V8 engine with an electric motor, resulting in a total output that surpasses 700 horsepower for the hotter Competition version. Naturally, it will be equipped with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. While it is unlikely that BMW will include a Drift Mode for the X8, given its massive size and weight, there may be a small minority of owners who would relish the opportunity to engage in some hooning.

The xDrive all-wheel-drive system, synonymous with BMW, is expected to be standard in the X8, paired with the well-known eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, utilized across various BMW models from the 2 Series to the 7 Series.

To compete with Bentley and Maybach, the X8 will need to deliver the smoothest ride among all BMW crossovers. Special attention must be given to minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness to match the refinement of its rivals.

Fuel Efficiency

The top BMW X7, the M50i with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, achieves 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The more powerful X6 M returns 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. The fuel consumption of the new X8, equipped with a V8, is likely to be similar to these models.

If the X8 offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a sufficiently large battery, it should be able to match the Concept XM’s all-electric range of 30 miles while providing better fuel efficiency. The focus for the X8 will be on comfort rather than outright performance. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, another V8 PHEV SUV, achieves 18 mpg combined on gas alone and 42 MPGe combined on gas and electric power. This can provide a rough estimate of the X8 PHEV V8’s efficiency. Charging times have not been disclosed yet, but PHEVs typically achieve a full charge in under 2.5 hours at a fast charger, as their batteries are smaller than those in fully electric vehicles.