Over four years ago, BMW mulled the idea of introducing a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class-rivalling 9 Series super sedan. The BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept (above), which was shown in 2014, hinted at a new flagship that could potentially sit above the 7 Series, but it looks like things won’t take off after all.
BMW R&D boss Klaus Fröhlich told Autocar “I don’t think you need a 9 Series. In this segment, you need three cars – an X car, a saloon and an emotional sporty car – and we have them: the X7, 7 Series and 8 Series. Some competitors are already reducing the number of cars in this segment because volumes are so low.”
Previously, the 9 Series was said to be a four-door, four-seat coupe model that’s based on the LWB 7 Series. There was even talks of it featuring a twin-turbo V8 as well as a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid petrol engine. A V12 version was also mentioned, potentially christened with the top-of-the-line M9 or M960i badge. However, with the 8 Series Gran Coupe already in the works, it’s highly unlikely that the 9 Series will get the green light to go to production.
The 8GC is due for a debut sometime this year and should be powered by the same range of engines as its coupe and convertible siblings, those being the 3.0 litre twin-turbo straight-six unit that makes 320 hp and 680 Nm of torque (840d xDrive), as well as a 4.4 litre biturbo petrol V8 pushing out 530 hp and 750 Nm (M850i xDrive). Both mills are paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.
GALLERY: BMW Vision Luxury Concept
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Abesla Toyota! They can no longer look towards BMW 9Series to rebadge as their new Crown anymore!
The current economic turmoil globally and in Venezuela more suited for budget cars. BMW should launch a cutprice subbrand , follow VW brand to Audi group and Baoteng to Geely alliance
duh…the rolls royce ghost exists?