Inspired by future luxury

THE WORD IS BMW HAS THE MAYBACH IN ITS SIGHTS, WRITES DEREK FUNG

Abig new BMW9 Series is reportedly in the works for a 2020 debut, aimed squarely at the new MercedesMaybach S- Class.

According to magazine, the 9 Series will be based on a stretched version of the 7 Series’ platform, and will have a unique body inspired by the Vision Future Luxury concept unveiled at the 2014 Beijing motor show.

Comfort for rear- seat passengers will be paramount. Those sitting in the back will be treated to individual seats, entertainment screens and rearhinged doors.

Engine choices are said to include the company’s twinturbo 6.6- litre V12. That engine is used in the BMW’s present range- topping sedan, the M760Li xDrive, where it generates 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque, and drives all four wheels via an eight- speed automatic.

The 9 Series could also be offered as a plug- in hybrid. If that The 2014 BMW Vision Future Luxury concept. comes to fruition, expect it to be more powerful than the 240kW/ 500Nm PHEV drivetrain in the 740e, which pairs a 190kW/ 400Nm 2.0- litre turbocharged fourcylinder engine with an 83kW/ 250Nm electric motor built into the eight- speed automatic transmission.

Like today’s 7 Series, the new 9 Series will have a body that uses a mix of steel, aluminium and carbon- fibre.

With the 9 Series, the carbonfibre could include the seat shells and more body elements.

This latest rumour about BMW’s future product plans comes just days after reports that the 6 Series will be replaced by a 7 Series- based 8 Series range, and that an X2 “SUV coupe” will debut at this year’s Paris motor show.