BMW is going to make a more stylish version of the BMW X7 , called the X8. Read more about the sleek upcoming SUV here

BMW X8 rendered

Coupe-SUV alternative to the X7

To share the X7’s engine range

Expected to cost from £80,000

Could go on sale in late 2022

With the flagship BMW X7 SUV on sale, the company is now said to be developing a BMW X8 coupe that would sit above the X2, X4 and X6 in the firm’s coupe SUV range.

Our exclusive render shows what the X8 could look like. Big.

BMW X8 Design

The BMW X8 will be designed for people who want a practical SUV but aren’t willing to do without a hint of coupe styling. That means the X8 will get a more swooping roofline than other BMW SUVs, including the upcoming the X7, and an even bolder front grille – although it’s hard to imagine how the latter could be possible. X8 models are likely to come as standard with lowered M Sport suspension – to give the car a more hunkered down appearance – and massive alloy wheels.

The X8’s cabin will borrow features from the X7 concept, shown here…

BMW X8 practicality

Although the swept back roofline – and resulting smaller rear windows – will make the X8’s back seat feel a little more claustrophobic than the X7’s, you can still expect the rear seat to happily accommodate two six-foot adults. Boot space will also be a high priority and the X8 will be far more practical than a conventional coupe, thanks to a tall boot and back seats that fold down to make way for bulky items such as flat-pack furniture.

Slick dual screens (like these on the X7) should appear in the X8.

BMW X8 infotainment

That said, the BMW X8’s lavish cabin should dispel any fears that it’s an agricultural workhorse. It’ll be shared with the BMW X7 so you can expect it to get a large infotainment screen and a digital display in the instrument binnacle where you would normally find analogue dials. Their multi-purpose capability will allow BMW to cut down on conventional buttons leaving the way clear for leather and expensive looking trim pieces throughout the cabin.

BMW X8 driving

The X8 is set to be more fun to drive than the BMW X7. It’s likely that X8 models will come fitted with stiffer M Sport suspension as standard – to cut out body lean in corners at the expense of some comfort on bumpy roads – and quicker steering to make the car feel more agile. An eight-speed automatic gearbox will also be a standard feature.

The X8’s engine range should mirror the X7’s.

BMW X8 engines

For performance in keeping with the BMW X8’s looks, you can expect it to be available with a range of six and eight-cylinder engines. Entry-level cars will likely use the six-cylinder diesel from the X7 30d, while more expensive (and faster) versions may take on that car’s 3.0-litre 40i petrol, 3.0-litre 50d diesel and 4.4-litre 50i petrol engines.

BMW X8 price and release date

If you fancy having a gleaming new BMW X8 on your driveway then the bad news is that it won’t come cheap. Even entry-level cars will likely cost more than £80,000 while range-topping versions will set you back more than £100,000 when they go on sale in late 2022.

If you can’t wait that long, head over to our BMW X7 review to check out this car’s boxier, more practical cousin and click on the green button below to compare BMW X7 deals.