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2023 BMW X8 M Spy Photos Reveal Hybrid Power, Weird Exhaust Tips

Internally codenamed G09, the X8 will bring forth an electrified M variant with interesting-looking exhaust finishers. The layout seems loosely inspired by the Lexus IS F of 2007 and Ferrari California of 2008, and the X8 M test mule in the following pictures also reveals high-performance Pirelli P-Zero rubber.
2023 BMW X8 M test mule 17 photos
Photo: CarPix
2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule2023 BMW X8 M test mule
Slotted above the X7 full-size utility vehicle, the coupe-inspired model rocks split headlights that can only be described as unfinished for the time being. The same applies to the taillights and 10-spoke wheels, along with the side skirts and front grille. A very different affair from the X6 M we have today, the X8 M is rumored to develop  750 PS (740 horsepower).

Internal combustion is the duty of an eight-cylinder engine, although we can’t say for certain if we’re dealing with the outgoing S63 or the brand-new S68 that BMW hasn’t confirmed or denied for production. The worst-case scenario would be the S63 twin-turbo V8 of the M5 CS, a 4.4-liter mill that cranks out 635 PS (627 horsepower) and plenty of torque at low revs.

An electric motor should provide an extra 200 horsepower from a standstill and under acceleration, and the near-instant torque is always welcome in these scenarios. Also expected with the dual-screen dashboard of the iX utility vehicle and i4 coupe-sedan thingy, the X8 M will be joined by a plug-in hybrid with many similarities to the X5 45e and an ICE-only V8.

According to sources, the G09 will be offered with two seating layouts. The five-seat model may be one-upped by a four-seat arrangement, which makes a lot of sense considering the position of the X8 within the BMW X lineup.

Also known as Project Rockstar, the X8 family of luxobarges should be ready for unveiling in the first part of 2022, while the X8 M may be introduced in May 2022 to celebrate half a century of BMW Motorsport GmbH.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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