Aimed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, the 9 Series will be BMW’s first flagship coupe since the 8 Series was deep-sixed 16-years ago. While the 8 undeniably put more of a focus on performance than on luxury, the 9 will emphasize the latter by riding on an evolution of the modular aluminum platform that will underpin the next Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The 9 will feature a bold design inspired by the Vision Future Luxury Concept (pictured) that BMW showed at last year’s edition of the Beijing Motor Show, and it might even be fitted with suicide doors. Carbon fiber components will keep weight in check.
Mechanically, the 9 will be nearly identical to the new 2016 7 Series that was introduced recently. Entry-level models will be powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six, mid-range models will get a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, and range-topping models will benefit from a V12. A base model powered by a turbodiesel six-pot and a plug-in hybrid will also join the lineup, but the oil-burner isn’t expected to make the trip across the Atlantic.
BMW has not commented on the report. If the rumors turn out to be true, the BMW 9 Series could be introduced in 2017 and go on sale in time for the 2018 model year.
Live images by Ronan Glon.
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