Currently the 7-Series from BMW is the most luxurious and largest vehicle that isn’t an SUV you can buy. This model series is full of tantalizing features and an array of equipment that make it easy for you to know you have made it in the world while showing off your success. Even though BMW has this 7-Series for top executives to enjoy they are looking once again at a possible higher model than this one to give them the prestige and separation from the rest of the luxury automakers that is needed in their lineup.
The idea of a higher model was actually suggested years ago and was even portrayed as a concept at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2007. This model was the Concept CS and it could have been the height of luxury for BMW that would easily rival competitors. Rather than build this model and already be at the pinnacle of the luxury world BMW chose instead to bring the electric hybrid sub-brand to the forefront which so far has brought us the i8 and i3. During this time with the project that would be led by the Concept CS the leader of this project has been retired and the program shelved.
Now it seems the time has come to bring back the idea of building a car above the 7-Series. The suggestions so far have been to have a large low slung four door sedan that has a sloping roofline so it could be sold as a four door coupe. If this were the case it would be called the 9-Series. Another alternative is to have a two door convertible and coupe pair that would then be considered the 8-Series for the brand. Regardless of which one is actually built, this vehicle will be the highest model in the lineup once the decision has been made.
What we do know about the new model is it will likely share a powertrain and chassis with the 7-Series. There is expected to be a V8 and a V12 to choose from and at the height of luxury expected it will certainly be offered with semi-autonomous driving functions and a full suite of driver assistance features. This is not where BMW will start, but rather where they will begin with this new ultra-luxury vehicle that could very well be the rival to many of the top models from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Bentley to give us a choice from the company that brings us athletic cars to drive.
The price is expected to start above $100,000 but if you are a shopper in this range that is not going to be a problem for you at all. The problem may be the wait. This new vehicle isn’t expected to make its debut on the BMW lineup until at least the year 2020, but it will be one to look for. With Bentley already considering a four-door coupe for their own lineup it makes sense for the 8-Series to be the rival build, but for ultra-luxury and comfort the 9-Series is the way to go. Maybe BMW will build both.
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