[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Weiman

According to the rumor mill it will be FWD.

It makes the most sense. The base models of Mercedes' EQA and EQB electric EVs are also FWD, just like their gas counterparts. Even the newly announced base model of the electric-only Polestar 2 is FWD due to the fact that the vehicle sits on parent Geely's CMA platform which was originally designed for FWD/AWD combustion vehicles.

While it is theoretically possible to build RWD EVs on a previously FWD/AWD platform, it does not appear that this approach has found favor.

[mkoesel]

It's good to finally see a release date for the X8 in the OP (August 2022).

Apparently they have decided to keep the X8 name, rather than go with XM (?).

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

It's good to finally see a release date for the X8 in the OP (August 2022).

Apparently they have decided to keep the X8 name, rather than go with XM (?).

Sorry, that's me being sloppy. XM is the correct one.

[lemetier]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

G09 will be in production between 08/22 and 11/27. It will have three rows with choices for 6 or 7 seat s like G07.

3 rows is a bit of a head scratcher.

[sward]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

Sorry, that's me being sloppy. XM is the correct one.

So the first real M-developed car from the ground up is a 7-seater SUV instead of a 2-seater sports car ?

I'll probably buy it since I'm driving a X5M comp today but I don't really see the logic from an M perspective.

[xlover]

Originally Posted by sward

So the first real M-developed car from the ground up is a 7-seater SUV instead of a 2-seater sports car ?

I'll probably buy it since I'm driving a X5M comp today but I don't really see the logic from an M perspective.

the XM isn't a "ground up" M car, it's basically a upgraded X7 coupe.... the market has dictated consumers will pay big bucks and there is strong demand for big fashion forward suv coupe/lower roofline designs when sufficiently positioned as super premium technology/style demonstrators. Considering the power outputs we have seen rumored no doubt the M branding is a reinforcement of that premium status

The days of the big sedan as the true brand flagship are ending

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by sward

So the first real M-developed car from the ground up is a 7-seater SUV

More of an M-branded product than M-developed.

Yes, the vehicle will have only a "performance" and "high performance" model (assuming rumors hold), both of which fall under the M product portfolio. But, the situation is little different from a hypothetical one where, for example, BMW were to eliminate the base X6 40i or 840i from today's lineup (the North American lineup specifically, where there are no diesels). You'd be left with just M models, and you could then theoretically call those "XM" and, I suppose, "M" respectively. But, that would not in and of itself change the way the vehicles were conceived.

The story with the X8 => XM will be more interesting and less contrived than that, but you get the idea. In fact, we already know that instead of a V8 powered M50i, there will be a B58 PHEV "M50e" model with similar output. Also, while I don't think it has been confirmed, it seems all but certain that the flagship model will not use a ~600hp S63 like the one that powers today's M5-and-up, but instead the S68 which is rumored to be a PHEV setup with about 750hp.

[lemetier]

Originally Posted by xlover

The XM isn't a "ground up" M car, it's basically a upgraded X7 coupe...

I dunno...

It's not really a sleeker X7; they are very different vehicles. So much so, the 3rd row thing has me completely stumped.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by lemetier

I dunno...

It's not really a sleeker X7; they are very different vehicles. So much so, the 3rd row thing has me completely stumped.

And you're right.

All the XM info I posted last night is BS. Removed.

[sward]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

And you're right.

All the XM info I posted last night is BS. Removed.

That makes sense.

[lemetier]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

And you're right.

All the XM info I posted last night is BS. Removed.

BS is a bit harsh on yourself. There's a few people up top who I can see pitching the idea and having enough clout to actually see it tried. What I can't picture is anyone actually fitting in it. Second row is positioned like in the iX with a bit more legroom added.

[sward]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

And you're right.

All the XM info I posted last night is BS. Removed.

You are doing a great job with all the info!

[///BMW Junkie]

G87 AWD?!

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by ///BMW Junkie

G87 AWD?!

Almost certainly not, no. Theoretically there could be some special model with AWD but even that seems very unlikely.

[ynguldyn]

Right now there's a single G87 version, so RWD only.

[Wild Blue]

Still very interested in the G09 X8/XM.

Apparently I wasn't fast enough to see whatever news popped up for a bit on this. But the X8/XM is still supposed to be BMW's first "built from the ground up" vehicle in the modern era, not sharing the CLAR with the rest of the line. Will not be a coupe X7. On my recent PCD, I was at least able to confirm this much with various BMW staff, and that it's still coming. Oh, and that it will be built in Spartanburg. They're tight lipped about everything else.

Most likely to have 2 rows, not 3.

What I'm seeing, condensed info from the first post:

• G09 X8 exists outside car journos' dreams
• X8 is shaping up to be a halo high performance SUV, with M45e as the entry level model
• Likely SOP for G09 X8 is July 2022
• X8 has been renamed to XM. Same model lineup as previously known: a 45e hybrid and two different gas engines
• EOP: G09 X8 - 11/27

[supra93]

Not sure if this is accurate but according to @XtremeMaC these are planned production numbers for the Supra as well as a EOP date of March 2026.

[mbanck]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

Right now there's a single G87 version, so RWD only.

I think the april 2021 G87 entry is a bit misleading here without the above clarification ("Though ceramic brakes and bucket seats seem to be missing, all the drivetrain and suspension things are the same as G82" sounds like AWD would be a possible option, at least to me and several others who asked about it), maybe add that to the top post (and the https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1820632 copy)?

[Weiman]

XM? That's a Citroën!

[sward]

Originally Posted by Weiman

XM? That's a Citroën!

A long time ago when Volvo planned to change the name of the 850 to S7 (and smaller model to S4) they got into problems with Audi so the hade to change the name to S70 and S40. I wounder how this will go for the XM?

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by sward

A long time ago when Volvo planned to change the name of the 850 to S7 (and smaller model to S4) they got into problems with Audi so the hade to change the name to S70 and S40. I wounder how this will go for the XM?

As you're from Sweden you might find this amusing

https://www.scania.com/uk/en/home/ex...eper-cabs.html

[sward]

Originally Posted by brad850csi

As you're from Sweden you might find this amusing

https://www.scania.com/uk/en/home/ex...eper-cabs.html

Right.

Scania S 450 or MB S 450?