The all-new member 2021 BMW X8 is arriving. BMW’s latest range-topping SUV, the BMW X8, has been caught testing on the public road wearing heavy camo. From multiple reports, the X8 will use the same architecture as the smaller X7. It will offer a more aggressive design and performances that can stack up against the popular Audi Q8 SUV.
The new sporty coupe-styled version will be most likely introduced in 2021. Also, at the same time, we can expect a high-performance version of X8 M that will bring more aggressiveness.
2021 BMW X8 Is Based on the X7 Model
The prototype of the 2021 BMW X8 has been spied testing wearing heavy camo. This SUV is based on the X7 model, and it shares plenty of elements with it. However, it seems that the X8 model has a more aggressive design than the X7. We noticed the more coupe-like sloping roofline and a massive kidney grille. However, dimensionally, it looks like is smaller than the X7, but we established that it is a few inches bigger with further analysis.
Also, testing vehicles spied with temporary headlights, which will probably be different in the final version. Similar headlights we saw on the prototype versions of the upcoming BMW i7 electric saloon. Looking at this SUV from behind, we noticed more camouflage, but it appears that the brake lights will be equal to those fitted on the X7. Also, the sporty stance ended with a new exhaust system.
More Luxury Inside
At this moment, there are no surfaced photos of the interior yet. However, from what we heard, we can expect the BMW X8’s cabin to borrow plenty of elements from the famous X7. So, a large infotainment screen with a digital driver’s display is a must. The new X8 will also definitively feature a BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
BMW X8 will most likely have less headroom than the X7 because it will come with a lower roofline. However, that doesn’t mean you will not get the same comfort. The X8 could also use the same X7’s split-tailgate system to make loading easier.
2021 BMW X8 Engine Specs
The forthcoming 2021 BMW X8 will come with a four-wheel-drive system and an automatic gearbox. The choice of engines will almost certainly mirror those in the X7. That means we can see six-cylinder 3.0-liter petrol again and diesel engines under entry-level models. However, more powerful models will get 4.4-liter V8s.
As you probably noticed on one image, the test car wears a sticker on the rear’ hybrid test vehicle’. Overall, this suggests that the BMW X8 could come with the same plug-in hybrid drive system powered X5 xDrive45e model. This engine consists of a 3.0-liter straight-six turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor that delivers an additional 111hp, and a 24kWh lithium-ion battery pack. As we mentioned, the range-topping X8 M model will be available as well. From what we heard, this model might use a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 620hp. However, if BMW adds an electric motor to this unit, expect no less than 750hp.
Release Date and Price
The 2021 BMW X8 has been caught testing for the first time on the public road. At first glance, it features the same proportion as the smaller X7. However, it wears heavy camo that giving us no clue what is beneath the skin.
According to some gossips, the new X8 will be introduced next year with a starting price of $80,000. However, more powerful models like M50i and M50d versions could easily crest the $100,000 mark.
Source: carwow.com
