BMW X8 M45e plug-in hybrid, a new member for the family?

Rumours and reports about a possible BMW X8 date back to when the Bavarian brand had not yet unveiled the BMW X7. Now, another rumour speaks of three new possible variants of the high-altitude vehicle from Munich, and one of them could be a plug-in hybrid called M45e.

As some sources claim, the M Performance plug-in hybrid model is in development and will probably be powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder inline petrol engine. This will be accompanied by an electric motor.

The new BMW X8 M45e could be fitted with the same system as its smaller sibling, the BMW X5 xDrive45e, which combines 394 CV and a maximum torque of 600 Nm.

The plug-in hybrid version of the mid-size premium SUV needs 5.6 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 235 km/h. When running on electricity alone, it can reach a maximum speed of up to 135 km/h and has a range of 67-87 km on the WLTP cycle with its fully charged 24 kWh battery.

BMW X8 M45e, this is how the new SUV could look

The BMW X8 M45e could deliver more power and have a greater range with zero emissions. In addition, an BMW X8 M will be the top-of-the-range variant that has been widely discussed, and it seems to still be on the table.

It is believed to arrive in 2022, and it could also have a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a V8 with an electric motor that should produce up to 760 CV and an all-wheel-drive system with rear bias, similar to that of the BMW M5.

Contrary to earlier reports, the BMW X8 is reportedly not expected to look like a bigger BMW X6, nor will it borrow styling cues from the BMW X7, but will instead develop its own design identity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X_uPjJW9mY

In recent weeks, the talk about the new BMW X8 has intensified. First we learned that prototypes are currently being built in Spartanburg, which will lead to some public road testing in the near future. We then also heard that the exclusive BMW X8 will come in three variants, and at least one of them will be a full X8 M model. It was rumoured that the third member of the X8 family was the brand’s first M Performance hybrid with the M45e badge attached.

It has always been rumoured that the BMW X8 will be a more luxurious model, with a more bespoke finish for the discerning customer seeking maximum luxury. It will also be more expensive than the BMW X7 and will most likely become the most expensive car in the Bavarian brand’s range.

The new high-end BMW X8 M would be conceived as a rival to the Audi RS8, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. And we believe it will offer the most power of any BMW car today.