Here's Proof The BMW X8 M Is Coming

The coupe-SUV segment that is burgeoning today owes much of its existence to the originalBMW X6which, when launched over a decade ago, combined the distinctive sloping roofline of a coupe with the high-riding stance of the X5 SUV. So, it makes sense that one of the pioneers of the body style shows no sign of slowing down. A user by the name of BavarianBob shared a BMW trademark filing for an X8 M on X7Forum just yesterday.

The X8, of course, will be to the X7 what the X6 is to the X5. The X7 is BMW's current largest SUV, combining 7 Series levels of opulence with three-row seating and enhanced practicality. The X8 should be similar in size to the X7, while offering more style at the expense of some interior space.

Perhaps it's no great surprise that the X8 M will be a thing, because as far back as 2017 (before the production X7 even arrived),there was talk of an X8.

According to BavarianBob, the X8 could launch late in 2021 as a 2022 model. What is especially significant about the trademark filing seen here is that it's for an X8 M, bearing in mind that there isn't even an X7 M yet. It's safe to assume that the X8 M will make use of the brand's 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, an engine that pumps out 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque in Competition spec.

However, the X6 M already uses this engine, so if the expectedly bigger and heavier X8 M gets the same powerplant, it may not end up being BMW's quickest SUV. It'll certainly be the most exclusive and expensive, though, as the range-topping X7 M50i already carries a hefty price tag of $99,600.