Ask any automaker whether or not there’s room within the lineup for an additional crossover, and most will say sure. It’s protected to say BMW is a grasp at increasing its SUV portfolio. Simply take a look at what number of fashions have joined the vary for the reason that unique X5 (“E53”) debuted in 1999. From the compact X1 to the gargantuan X7, there’s one thing for practically everybody. Even the iX and XM belong to the identical household, regardless of breaking away from the standard alphanumeric naming scheme.
That brings us to at this time’s matter: What ought to BMW name a possible new “rugged” SUV? As beforehand reported by media, Munich is allegedly contemplating a high-riding mannequin to tackle the Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender. Audi needs in on the motion, too, so the area of interest for adventure-oriented household autos is about to develop. If it involves life, this new SUV ought to go the place no different BMW has gone earlier than.
The rumor mill churns out that this addition to BMW’s “X” portfolio gained’t simply be a dressed-up model of the next-generation X5 (“G65”) or X7 (“G67”). Automotive Information reported that it carries a separate codename, “G74.” It signifies a standalone product quite than an off-road trim for an current mannequin. Hopefully, that suggests boxy styling is making a comeback.
If historical past is any indication, BMW will seemingly follow its acquainted naming construction as a substitute of selecting an precise identify. Logic suggests it is going to mix “X” with one other letter, since Munich has already used up the numbers. Certain, it might go together with “X8.” For those who recall, it’s a designation mistakenly linked to the XM earlier than its debut. Nevertheless, “X8” would solely make sense if the newcomer have been bigger than the X7, however we don’t know whether or not that’s essentially the case.
Logic says that it needs to be on the larger aspect with seating for six or seven. It additionally stays to be seen whether or not it is going to function a break up tailgate much like the X5, X7, and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. There may be additionally a risk that this new SUV gained’t sit on the high of the “X” lineup, as BMW will seemingly preserve that spot for the X7 and its future ALPINA variant. As an alternative, it may very well be a definite mannequin, positioned alongside different outliers just like the iX and XM.
Potential Names: XR, XA, XT, XS, XD, XF?
With that in thoughts, BMW might pair “X” with one other letter. Early stories counsel the mission is internally known as “Rugged,” so maybe “XR” would match? Some may affiliate it with Apple’s discontinued iPhone XR, however BMW didn’t appear bothered when “XM” delivered to thoughts Citroën’s Nineties government automobile.
Because it’s being designed as an journey car, “XA” might additionally work. Different prospects embody “XT” (Path or Terrain), “XS” (Summit), “XD” (Discovery), and even “XF” (Frontier). The latter is a reputation paying homage to Jaguar’s defunct 5 Collection-rivaling sedan.
For now, it’s unclear whether or not the corporate has narrowed down its shortlist, or possibly even picked the ultimate identify. And even totally authorised this rumored mission. However since product planning begins years upfront, and naming is not any small matter, they may have already got some concepts in thoughts. The XM raised various eyebrows, so BMW might want to tread fastidiously when branding its subsequent daring SUV.
Automotive Information reported that BMW will construct the brand new SUV in Spartanburg. It’s not a wild guess, given the corporate’s dedication to assembling a minimum of six electrical SUVs in South Carolina by 2030. That tells us it might function each combustion engines and electrified variations for the reason that CLAR structure can accommodate each.
Please tell us within the feedback how you’ll identify a BMW that goals to tackle the off-road circuit like by no means earlier than.
