Two BMW X7 models parked in the desert in front of some mountains.

The BMW X7 Is Good Enough to Make the BMW X8 Unnecessary

The BMW X7 is already the upscale SUV at the top end of the lineup. Does BMW need another one in the X8? Let's dive in.

by Wendy Johnson

Published on October 14, 2023 5:21 pm

3 min read

What do we know about the BMW X8 model?

At this time, there’s very little known about the BMW X8 model. Basically, all we do know is that BMW plans on releasing an X8 variant sometime in the future, but we have no idea when. It could possibly be late 2023, but dates have been given before that didn’t pan out, so it’s hard to say.

It does sound like this model will be based on the X7 version, but it will be a crossover model instead, which would make it smaller than the X7. Some critics expect that it would provide ample space for head and legroom within two rows of seats, according to CarBuzz.

Powering it up is anyone’s guess, but Carbuzz theorizes that there could be two options to choose from. One is a 3.0-liter Inline-six cylinder, while the other could be a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 based on what some of the other BMW models have.

As for horsepower, it’s tough to say, but it’s likely to fall within the 600-700 hp range for the V8 version. With the six-cylinder, it could produce approximately 380 hp or so. It’s also possible we could see a hybrid variant as well. Price-wise, you can pretty much bet that it will be on the high side, possibly within the $160,000-$180,000.

What you can expect with the BMW X7

The 2024 BMW X7 is a large, three-row SUV that runs $81,900 to start and can run as high as $108,000 before options are added. With this model, there are three trims to choose from. The xDrive40i is the base model that comes with 21-inch wheels, a self-leveling suspension system, adaptive LED headlights, and a panoramic sunroof.

Powering it up are two engine options. The base has an Inline-six cylinder unit generating 375 hp, which enabled the model to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. To put that in perspective, the Cadillac Escalade’s V8 engine got a 6.7-second acceleration time for the same run.

For the interior, it comes with remote start, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front armrests and steering wheel, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning.

With the second trim, the M60i, you get a 4.4-liter V8 generating 523 hp. You also get 22-inch wheels, M Sport exhaust, M Sport brakes with blue calipers, soft-closing doors, an automated parking system, leather upholstery, M steering wheel, power sunshades in the rear, a surround-view camera, and infotainment gesture control.

The top trim, the Alpine XB7, has a 4.4-liter V8 engine, which produces 630 hp. With that much power under the hood, the XB7 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. It also comes with 21-inch wheels, Brembo front brakes, heated front and rear seats, a leather dashboard, and a five-zone climate control system.

How the BMW X7 makes the BMW X8 unnecessary

The BMW X8 is not likely to offer anything new, except that it’s a crossover variant keeping in line with the X series of vehicles. It sounds like the possible features it will come with are interesting, but when you think about it, will it really be worth spending nearly $200,000 for?

The BMW X7 has just about everything most people would need in a luxury SUV. The three rows of seats offer more than enough space for front and rear passengers. You also get a ton of standard luxury items to make your drive a pleasurable one. To top it off, though, it comes at a more affordable price than the X8 would likely have.

According to BMW, the fully loaded version, the Alpina XB7, starts at $145,400, which is high, but it’s still cheaper than the new variant is projected to cost. In reality, the only thing the X8 model would have going for it, as far as we know, is the shorter length, turning it into a two-row SUV. But, if you can get the X7 cheaper, is it all that important?

The BMW X8 model isn’t out yet but is rumored to be released late in 2023 for the 2024 model year. Will it be worth the price tag that’s estimated to be pretty high? Not likely, since you already have what you need with the spacious and luxurious X7 model.