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The BMW X8 M is likely powered by the manufacturer’s dual-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engine, which is expected to be coupled with an electric motor.
BMW has yet to confirm any news about the X8, but full speculation is already going around. The X8 will be located above the X7, and will be what the X6 is for the X5, that is, a coupe version of the SUV. Now, a new report suggests the Bavarian automaker is also working on the performance-oriented X8 M, which could even get a PHEV powertrain.
As of now, the BMW M Division is free from any form of electrical assistance. However, hybrid powertrains are the way to go in the long term. According to the same report, the upcoming X8 M is internally called “Project Rockstar,” and the car will be equipped with BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, which will be paired with an electric motor.
The combined output power of this powertrain could be in the 750 horsepower range, along with a whopping 1000 Nm of torque! Power will be sent to all four wheels, while rear-wheel drive is also expected on demand. However, we still have to spot the test mules of the normal X8 coupe SUV, let alone that it’s a M-flagship model.
Even if BMW is considering developing a new flagship SUV, the production-ready X8 coupe will still take a few years to complete and introduce itself to the market, and then only the X8 M will follow. For now, the X7 serves as the most premium SUV of the brand. In India, BMW offers the X7 in three different versions and two separate powertrains.
The xDrive30d DPE and xDrive30d DPE Signature models have a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine that generates 265 hp of peak power and 620 Nm of maximum torque. On the other hand, the xDrive40i M Sport variant gets its power from a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 340 hp of power and 450 Nm of torque. Both powertrains are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission along with the standard BMW xDrive four-wheel drive system.
BMW sells the X7 in India at a starting price of Rs 92.50 lakh, which amounts to Rs 1.07 crore (both prices, ex-showroom). The seven-seat SUV meets the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Audi Q7.
