BMW plots eight-strong SUV family by 2020

By the end of the decade, BMW could offer as many as eight different SUVs, ranging from the compact front-drive X1 to a more sporting X8 variant of the big seven-seat X7 SUV that was confirmed for production earlier this year.

The new X1, which will also spawn a more sporting X2 variant, will come to market in 2015 in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive guise. Elsewhere in the range BMW is getting ready to launch new versions of the X3 and X4, while the new X6 will get its world debut at the Moscow motor show next month.

BMW's SUV plans

BMW X1 - The new X1 will switch from its current rear-drive underpinnings to BMW’s new front drive UKL1 platform, allowing for a more distinctive design, improved interior packaging and the possibility of a seven-seat option. It’s due to be launched next year.

BMW X2 - The X2 will be to the X1 what the X6 is to the X5 and the new X4 is to the X3. It will get a more sporting three-door layout over the X1 on which it is based, and will be billed as a sporty raised coupé. A potent M-fettled 2.0 petrol turbo version is likely.

BMW X3 - The facelifted second-generation X3 is due for an imminent launch in the UK. It will be equipped with the latest version of BMW’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, a unit that will soon be rolled out across the rest of BMW’s range.

BMW X4 - The X4 is now only days away from a UK launch. BMW is mulling over an M version of both the X3 and X4, something more likely to be badged M Performance and use the M235i’s engine than a full-blown M car with the M3’s highly tuned unit. 

BMW X5 - The third-generation X5 was launched in the UK last year. Its range will soon be crowned by a new M version, with power coming from a breathed-on version of the current car’s twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine. Expect a debut at the LA motor show in November.

BMW X6 - BMW showed off the new X6 earlier in the summer ahead of its still-planned Moscow motor show debut in August. Styling is evolved from the controversial first-gen car, and it is due to go on sale in the UK in December, priced from £51,150.

BMW X7 - BMW confirmed in March that a big new seven-seat SUV based on an extended version of the X5’s underpinnings would go into production at its Spartanburg plant in North America in 2016. It is intended as BMW’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz GL.

BMW X8 - Still unconfirmed, the X8 is mooted as a more sporting version of the X7 on which it would be based. The vast SUV would be mainly aimed at markets such as America, Russia, China and the Middle East, and would rival Audi’s proposed Q8.

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