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BMW’s SUV lineup stretches from the compact X1 up to the flagship X7, and also includes the M Division’s standalone XM — a polarizing halo model that was often discussed as a potential X8 during development. That history makes the recent CGI concept by Samuele Di Giustino interesting: it imagines a large BMW coupe-SUV that mixes sport-focused cues with unexpected off-road elements, producing a design that sends mixed signals.
Design: Coupe-SUV Lines with Unexpected Details
At first glance the concept reads like an oversized X6: a sloping roofline, muscular wheel arches, signature Bimmer headlights and a conventional kidney grille. The profile is markedly sporty — thin mirrors, a rear spoiler and a taut shoulder line point to a performance-oriented crossover derivative of the X7. But the rendering also introduces elements not usually associated with BMW’s luxury coupe-SUVs.
Contrasting elements
The CGI shows unusually generous ground clearance for a unibody crossover, protective plastic cladding along the lower body, chunky off-road tires and six-spoke alloys that suggest enhanced traction. These features shift the concept away from a purely style-led coupe-SUV toward a more capable-looking machine — a hybrid message that can confuse buyers seeking either clear off-road capability or pure on-road performance.
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Specifications & Technical Hints
Because this is an unofficial rendering, hard specifications are speculative. However, by analogy to BMW’s current architecture strategy, a true X8 would likely sit above the X7 in size and may share mechanicals with the next-generation X5 or X7 platform. Key speculative specs could include:
- Platform: Shared unibody architecture with X5/X7 derivatives
- Powertrain: Range from inline-6 mild-hybrid to V8/M-hybrid variants (if aligned with XM positioning)
- Drivetrain: BMW xDrive AWD as standard for traction and performance
- Ground clearance: Rendering suggests increased ride height, but production X8 (if built) would likely keep SUV-like but road-biased geometry
Performance & Driving Character
If BMW were to produce an X8, it would probably aim for a balance: sporty handling and strong straight-line performance paired with the comfort expected from a large luxury crossover. The XM currently occupies the high-performance end of the range; an X8 could slot in as a more mainstream, coupe-style luxury flagship unless BMW positions it as an M standalone similar to the XM.
Market Positioning & Comparisons
The X8 concept sits in a crowded premium crossover segment where buyers look for style, technology and sometimes light off-road ability. Key comparisons include:
- BMW XM: The closest existing analogue in spirit — high-riding with strong performance credentials and a polarizing design.
- BMW X7: The logical donor for size and luxury features if an X8 were produced.
- Mercedes coupe-SUVs: Competitors like the GLE Coupe and GLS-based coupes target similar buyers.
G-Class rival and future M models
BMW is reportedly developing a G-Class rival internally dubbed G74, possibly arriving around 2029 and potentially replacing the XM. Sources suggest that architecture from the next-gen X5 could underpin some future off-road-capable models, though they might remain more road-focused than body-on-frame icons like the G-Wagen.
Final Thoughts
Samuele Di Giustino’s X8 CGI provokes a useful conversation about BMW’s crossover strategy: should a flagship coupe-SUV lean fully into sportiness, or should it blend rugged styling cues for a more adventurous image? The render is neither fully OTT nor conservative — it sits in the middle, which will likely spark both praise and criticism among enthusiasts. Is it a yay or a nay? That depends on whether you prioritize design drama, genuine off-road capability, or a clean, performance-focused flagship.
Source: autoevolution
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