[Flyer]

BMW just recently launched the 8 series and reports are already available in the international media on a possible 9 series 4 door coupe launch in 2020. The 9 series is expected to be a direct competition to Mercedes-Maybach S600.

When asked whether BMW had plans for a 9 Series, van Hooydonk said: “Let’s say this: we won’t stop here [with the 8 Series]. Obviously our job is to have more ideas than the company can build, because the other way round would be very bad. “My team and I are now looking at 2021 and beyond – as far out as 2030. We have a lot of plans.”

A large four-door coupé would likely prove particularly popular with high-end buyers in China, while a 9 Series would also tie in with the potential expansion of BMW’s SUV and electric i ranges. The firm has already trademarked every model name between i1 and i9, iX1 and iX9, and between X1 and X9.

Source:Autocar.UK

[bigron]

I say , why not BMW. Look how Mercedes has now successfully used the Maybach brand and infused it as the higher end model of their flagship sedan.
Now I guess BMW probably does not have access to an already established luxury marque that they can use but I am sure there should be a market for a more luxurious/ loaded/powerful BMW sedan.

[Flyer]

Originally Posted by bigron

Now I guess BMW probably does not have access to an already established luxury marque that they can use ...

They have the most luxurious brand itself, The Rolls Royce. And that's a class apart.

I think an ultra luxury sedan/coupe with a BMW badge itself will be good enough to compete against Maybach.

[bigron]

They are not going to use RR as a more luxurious 7 series.
They have their work cut out for them but could be achievable given the market .

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by bigron

They are not going to use RR as a more luxurious 7 series.
They have their work cut out for them but could be achievable given the market .

BMW & RR will never be mixed brands. The same way MB would have never made Maybach a sub brand in the Mercedes S-class unless they killed the Maybach marque model. These are simple and golden marketing rules.

MB has very cleverly chalked out two sub brands- AMG for sports and Maybach for ultra luxury. However, in the bargain they have forgone their marquee model that gave the RR a run for it's money.

While Maybach sub brand is a great strategy, it is also acceptance of defeat that Rolls Royce is unbeatable.

[GTO]

Just like the number of gears (8, 9, 10, 11!!), I think manufacturers ought to put a lid on how wide they are taking the model range. Seems rather pointless to have a luxo-barge above the 7-Series IMHO. Plus, the 7-Series has been the BMW flagship for decades and that in itself gives the "7" prestige. I don't think BMW will bring a 9-Series above it and dilute the 7.

Originally Posted by Sahil

MB has very cleverly chalked out two sub brands- AMG for sports and Maybach for ultra luxury.

Truly. BMW has its ///M & M-Sport, but nothing for luxury.

[Flyer]

Originally Posted by GTO

Truly. BMW has its ///M & M-Sport, but nothing for luxury.

Perhaps BMW didn't initiate a specific marque for luxury because Alpina exists. And of course there is BMW Individual.