BMW is once again considering the possibility of adding an even larger SUV above the X7, potentially creating a new flagship aimed primarily at American luxury vehicle buyers. The proposed BMW X9, reportedly carrying the internal designation G63, could reach the market in 2029 or 2030, although the company has not officially confirmed the project.

The possibility has surfaced twice in just over a month. BMW first discussed expanding its SUV lineup beyond the X7 in late September, and CEO Milan Nedeljković returned to the subject during this week’s conference call covering the company’s financial results through Q3.

BMW X9 Could Become the Brand’s Largest SUV

BMW has not confirmed the X9 name, but it would be a logical choice for a vehicle positioned above the X7. The rumored project is identified internally as G63, with a potential market launch in 2029 or 2030.

The proposed flagship would primarily target the United States, where full-size luxury SUVs represent a major market. BMW has traditionally struggled to match the interior space provided by American competitors such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

A larger SUV could give BMW a stronger presence in this segment, particularly by offering a more spacious third row. Even the existing X7 has room for improvement in that area.

The potential X9 would also be expected to carry a considerably higher price than the current X7. Rather than simply extending the existing SUV’s body, BMW would reportedly position the new model as a more expensive offering focused on additional space and luxury.

BMW X9 Could Retain Six-Cylinder and V8 Engines

Despite the possibility of an electric version, the rumored BMW X9 is expected to rely primarily on combustion engines, with six-cylinder and V8 options under consideration.

A six-cylinder diesel engine could also be considered for markets outside North America. However, BMW has not provided specific details about potential powertrain configurations.

A fully electric version remains a possibility, but the company has not confirmed plans to develop one. A gasoline-powered flagship would also fit the traditional preference for large-displacement engines in this vehicle segment, particularly in the United States.

BMW Faces Production Challenges at Spartanburg Plant

Finding manufacturing capacity could become one of the biggest obstacles to bringing the potential X9 to production.

BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina is already operating at full capacity to meet demand for its SUV lineup. The facility currently produces the X3, X5, X6, X7, and XM, while additional models and production requirements are placing further pressure on its resources.

BMW has acknowledged the capacity challenge and said it wants to strengthen its regional production footprint. Potential solutions could include transferring production between factories or expanding manufacturing capabilities at other locations.

However, accommodating another SUV that would be even larger than the X7 at Spartanburg would not be easy.

Where Will BMW Build Its Potential X9?

If the proposed X9 primarily targets North American buyers, manufacturing the vehicle in the United States could make commercial sense. However, BMW has not announced where the potential flagship would be assembled.

Some production capacity could become available if the XM does not receive a successor, although that remains speculation. The arrival of the iX7 in 2027 will also add to the demands on the Spartanburg facility.

BMW Continues Evaluating an SUV Above the X7

For now, BMW has not abandoned the possibility of introducing a vehicle positioned above the X7. Nedeljković’s latest comments indicate that the company is continuing to evaluate the business case for an even larger luxury SUV.

An ALPINA version could also be a natural fit if the project moves forward, potentially competing with the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

Meanwhile, BMW is working on the second-generation X7, identified internally as G67, alongside its fully electric counterpart, the iX7.