BMW’s Biggest SUV Yet Could Rival The Escalade. Here’s Everything We Know

The BMW X9 could bring Neue Klasse styling, CLAR architecture, and powerful gasoline engines to a new flagship SUV aimed at America.

2028 BMW X9 Rendering By Motor1

Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1

Anthony Alaniz

By: Anthony Alaniz

Oct 14, at 12:00pm ET

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BMW is considering something big. Late last month, the automaker revealed it is studying a new SUV above the X7, tailored specifically to the American market.

BMW has hinted at a larger SUV before, and dealers have been open about wanting one—an SUV capable of competing with the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80, and Land Rover Range Rover. Nothing is official yet, but a larger SUV seems likely.

The company has described the new SUV as an “additional offering.” American consumers continue to flock to trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, and our love of these vehicles is partly driving this decision. BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, factory is operating at full capacity.

The new SUV isn't expected to arrive until closer to the end of the decade, so BMW has plenty of time to share the details. But until it makes things official, this is everything we know about BMW’s new large SUV.

What Will BMW Call It?

2028 BMW X9 Rendering By Motor1

Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1

BMW has not confirmed the name for its new SUV, which is set to slot above the X7, but we suspect it will be the X9. The automaker has filed trademarks for the X9 nameplate and has even secured XB9, suggesting it might offer an Alpina variant.

Internally, BMW is reportedly calling the new SUV the G63. We doubt the automaker will use X8, since it previously offered the 8 Series, but production ended earlier this year. The automaker often uses even numbers to designate sportier, sleeker variants, such as coupe-like crossovers.

What Platform Will Underpin It?

BMW has not released details about the model, but it has two platform options: Cluster Architecture (CLAR) and Neue Klasse. NK is the brand’s latest architecture, designed first for battery-electric vehicles, and the new iX3 is BMW’s first model to ride on it.

The automaker also continues to use its CLAR platform in several current vehicles, including the all-new X5, which uses a modified version of the architecture. Rumors also suggest the new X7 will use CLAR, making it a natural fit for the larger X9.

The X9 will be larger than the X7, which measures 203.6 inches long and has a 120-inch wheelbase. The X9 will likely be closer in length to an SUV like the Cadillac Escalade at 211.9 inches. The added length over the X7 will increase space for the third row and cargo.

What Will It Look Like?

2028 BMW X9 Rendering By Motor1

Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1

While the X9 will likely ride on a modified version of BMW’s CLAR platform, the SUV will feature Neue Klasse design language on the outside. Our rendering depicts a large, long family hauler in BMW’s latest style.

The X9 has a slim kidney grille flanked by even slimmer headlights, sitting above a busy, angular bumper. At the rear, the X9 has thin taillights that almost meet in the middle, but the overall SUV is typical if the automaker is looking to maximize passenger space.

It’s a breadbox on wheels.

Inside, the X9 will feature BMW’s Panoramic iDrive system. It will feature a pillar-to-pillar screen at the base of the windshield, the 17.9-inch Central Display, and high-end materials to complement the new cabin design.

What Will Power It?

2028 BMW X9 Rendering By Motor1

Photo by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1

The new BMW X9 will offer six- and eight-cylinder engines in the United States. We doubt the German automaker will prioritize, or even consider, a battery-electric version considering the current state of BEV sales here. The car might also feature a diesel engine, but that’s likely reserved for European buyers.

A mild-hybrid inline-six engine will likely power the base trim and could make up to 550 horsepower. We expect BMW will also offer a hotter M60 variant, but no full-blown M model, with the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. This engine could make as much as 650 hp.

When Will It Debut?

BMW has not revealed when the new SUV will arrive. We suspect it will launch after the new X7 debuts, with production likely starting in 2029 or 2030. We could see the SUV as early as late next year, with a concept and teasers dropping in 2028.

With BMW tailoring the new SUV to American consumers, we suspect BMW will build the X9 at its Spartanburg, South Carolina, factory. It’s where BMW assembles the X3, X5, X5, and X7.

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How Much Will It Cost?

The new BMW X9 will likely cost several thousand dollars more than the X7, which starts at $89,050 for 2027. The next-generation X7 will likely cost over $90,000, pushing the X9’s price even higher.

The larger SUV will compete with other large SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Land Rover Range Rover, both of which start at over $100,000. The X9 should have a similar six-figure price tag, and we would not be shocked if it started at $110,000 or more.

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