They’ll run out of numbers soon! According to
Automotive News Europe
, the single-digit BMW range line-up will be complete soon with a 9 Series luxobarge.
Gran Lusso and Concept CS hinted at super 7
But before we scoff, there is logic to the move. Kind of. With the Maybach discontinued, Mercedes is pushing the S-Class further upmarket to occupy that space left behind (the space where nobody was buying big Mercs, but it won’t be deterred) so BMW has to make an equivalent. The 9 Series will be a super luxurious 7 essentially.
The 9 is expected to arrive with the new 7 Series in 2016. A new platform called G11 will underpin both models as well as future Rolls-Royce cars too. Much lighter than the current platform, G11 could take the 7 Series down to the weight of today’s 5.
Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time BMW has attempted an uber 7 Series. The E38 version featured an L7 variant at a whopping 5.4m in length and the veritable kitchen sink of equipment. But hopefully this 9 Series will be little more stylish than just an elongated 7. BMW has previewed luxury four-doors previously with the beautiful CS Concept of 2007 and last year’s Gran Lusso coupe. China of course still loves big saloons too, meaning a 9 Series preview in Beijing would probably make commercial sense. As and when it’s confirmed, we’ll keep you updated.