BMW preparing a brand-new, high-end car for multiple markets

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse announced that the company’s factory in Spartanberg, USA would begin assembling an absolutely new, high-class vehicle for several markets around the world. He never went into detail, but Carscoops has a point saying it must be the long-awaited X8.

The Spartanberg factory makes crossover SUVs ranging from the X3 to X7, and ships nearly 70 percent of them abroad. By all indications, the mysterious new model is also going to be an off-roader.

Multiple sets of spy photos made recently suggest that BMW has been designing and actively testing a large and powerful SUV based on the X7 chassis. It would only be logical for it to reach the showrooms with a badge reading ‘X8’.

Rumor has it that an X8 M would also be coming to the market with around 750 PS (740 hp / 552 kW) at its disposal. If true, it would be in a good position to dethrone the dreaded Lamborghini Urus with its 650 PS (641 hp / 479 kW).

In addition to this top spec, the X8 could debut in at least two hybrid variants, although the M version could also be electrified. Another persistent rumor claims that the next-generation M5 may ship with a twin-turbo V8 assisted by an electric motor; chances are good that the X8 gets something similar.