Why no Audi RS8 - BMW M7 - Audi SQ7?

[wouth]

I was at Gatwick airport yesterday and spotted a matte grey/black BMW 7 series with big alloys. Got me wondering, as this owner might have been interested in the real deal / M7.

Considering that the AMG powered S-class Mercs seem to be doing quite well?
And BMW (X5M / X6M), Mercedes (ML55 / G55), Porsche (Cayenne Turbo) and even Range Rover offer some powerful SUVs?

Audi and BMW have pretty much every other gap filled, with their extensive line-up.

Are these niches still to be filled by Audi and BMW, or do you think they will not produce these models?

[Triumph Man]

I would have loved to have seen an E38 M7 (the 1995-2001 7 series) - can you imagine an M7 with the prototype M8 engine and manual gearbox? mmmm

I think an M7 now would be too gaudy, although Alpina do the closest thing I suppose.

[CarlT]

The S8 is already available and monstrously quick.

[aspirated]

CarlT said:

The S8 is already available and monstrously quick.

But it's only an S8...

[JakeT]

They're pretty niche markets. A 760Li with no options starts at over 100k... So an M7 would likely cost more and would sell only to Arab oil Sheiks. I am sure BMW and Audi have looked into it and deemed it not viable. The SQ7 would need a lot of work as it's getting on now, and doesn't handle as well as the RRS/X5 anyway. And as said the S8 is no slouch. There's also brand image. These cars are all grown up cars, why would one need ultra driving prowess when they'll have Jeeves taking them down Saville row in it anyway?

[john banks]

The S8 has an engine much more like the RS6 than the S6/7. The RS6 has air suspension more like the A8 than the vast majority of A6.

I would like an S8 to replace my A8 and GTR perhaps, but not at present values.

Edited by john banks on Monday 28th April 20:35

[Ares]

I was told, by BMW, that the 760i is the 'M' for the 7-series....but that £100k/120k/140k 7-series customers don't want the 'obviousness' of a M-Car.