BMW Gets Serious About A Full-Size X9 SUV

Dealers Want It

Earlier this year, it was reported that BMW dealers wanted a full-size crossover that can rival the likes of the Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Lincoln Navigator. One could argue that the Bavarians already have such a model in the lineup in the form of the X7.

By European (and the rest of the world) standards, the X7 is massive at over 200 inches long while sporting a wheelbase of more than 120 inches. Still, there are those who think it’s not big enough, hence calls from dealers for an even bigger model.

It Might Actually Happen

It’s no secret that BMW is toying with the idea, but there’s no official word just yet on whether it’ll develop an Escalade rival, let alone start work on one. However, recent trademark filings in Germany are suggesting that the company might actually be serious about building it. And just to be sure that the folks from Munich have a hold on the name this early, there are three pending applications for name X9.

One filing is for the entire European Union, while there are two for Germany. If that’s not enough, one application registered ‘BMW X9’ for good measure. In other words, it’s BMW’s way of telling everyone to back off should other companies even think about using the name X9 in any automotive applications.

There Could Even be an Alpina Version

Even before the first applications for the X9 trademark came about, BMW already filed its papers to secure the name XB9. That naming convention suggests there might even be a sportier version of what could be the supersized SUV, as if the outgoing XB7 wasn’t big enough.

Mind you, BMW has been on a trademark spree lately. As Alpina is now fully under Munich’s wing, it’s doing all it can to keep owning the names that could eventually be used for future models. There’s even the possibility of the X3 M being a full Alpina model as the XB3, but we digress.

Potential Rivals

We’ve already mentioned the American trio of Escalade, Grand Wagoneer, and Navigator. Sales of those models, particularly the Escalade, show potential for BMW to barge into that party. It’s not like customers in that market aren’t willing to splash out for jumbo-sized luxury SUVs, either. Should there be an Alpina model, that could go head to head against the Escalade V.

But what about possible European challengers? Well, there’s the recently updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS, although that one’s more of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan alternative. Incidentally, BMW also owns Rolls-Royce, so it’ll be interesting how it positions the possible X9. Also, Audi might be in the mix with the Q9 Horch that was recently spied.

Of course, there’s still the possibility of the X9 being an off-road-oriented model in the same vein as the Mercedes G-Class. That’s still up in the air, though, but BMW is also open to exploring that route.