The world might not need another SUV but if there’s truth in the rumours doing the rounds, there might be a powerful (and expensive) X8 M SUV in the making.

Rumours of a new BMW X8 flagship SUV have been floating around for about 3 years and the X8 moniker was reportedly trademarked in 2019, hinting at BMW’s intention to bring an X8 to market. Now, in a new report from Bimmer Post, BMW appears to have filed a trademark application for the X8 M moniker, which if true, solidifies the evidence for a high-performance X8 M model. With the X8, BMW couldbe pushing further upmarket into the ultra-luxurious super SUV segment where rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga, RangeRover Sport SVR, Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX compete.

Referred to internally as the G09, the new X8 is expected to be shown in either concept or production form at the end of 2020 or in 2021. If the former is the case, the production X8 might only arrive on showroom floors in 2022 with the X8 M following after.

Nonetheless, the X8 is expected to raise the luxury bar substantially and will share its underpinnings with the BMW X7. In terms of design, the suggestion is that the X8 will mostly feature a design of its own and for better or for worse, it’s fair to assume that a monster grille will make its way onto the X8. The X8 is said to be more than just a coupe-roofed X7 and more of a standalone model.Itwill certainly makeit interesting as to how BMW intends to market another huge SUV in its lineup.As for the interior, you can expect the very best fittings and technology in BMW’s arsenal to find its way into the X8. The cabin is also expected to feature 4 individual seats.

As for the X8 M range-topper, power is likely to come from the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine found in the BMW X6 M which will produce no less than 460 kW and 750 Nm. A zero to 100 kph sprint time of around 4 seconds is imaginable.

Interestingly, other X8 derivatives are reportedly on the cards too, including an M Performance hybrid X8 M45e. In this application, BMW’s 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine pairs with an electric motor that can produce a combined output of no less than 298 kW and 542 Nm. An entry-level X8 is also expected.

BMW must be enjoying all the hype being generated around the X8 and the firm has yet to officially confirm (or deny) its plans to bring the X8 to market. If the X8 M does see the light of day, it will likely be the most expensive BMW money can buy.Either way, we will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

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