BMW dealers push for X9 SUV to rival Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator
BMW dealers advocate for new flagship SUV to compete with Escalade and Navigator
BMW dealers push for X9 SUV to rival Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator
American BMW dealers are calling for a larger SUV above the X7 to challenge the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, citing potential sales success and market competition.
2026-01-25T01:29:21+03:00
2026-01-25T01:29:21+03:00
2026-01-25T01:29:21+03:00
American BMW dealers are advocating for a new flagship SUV that would sit above the X7. They believe a full-size, three-row model could compete with the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.Kirk Cordill, head of the BMW National Dealer Forum, said the brand would perform "very well" with a larger vehicle, adding that a potential X9 could sell "extremely successfully." He also suggested an Alpina version might rival the Navigator Black Label.Currently, the BMW X7 starts at $87,500 in the U.S., reaching $115,000 for the X7 M60i. The lineup also includes the Alpina XB7 at $156,000—less than the Escalade-V, which starts at $168,000.However, the X7 falls short of its competitors in size. It measures 204 inches (5,181 mm) long, 78.7 inches (2,000 mm) wide, with a wheelbase of 122.2 inches (3,105 mm). In contrast, the standard Escalade is 211.9 inches (5,382 mm) long and 81 inches (2,057 mm) wide, while the extended Escalade ESV stretches to 227 inches (5,766 mm).In 2025, BMW USA sold 31,575 X7 units—significantly fewer than Escalade volumes. Cadillac moved 49,366 gasoline-powered Escalades plus 8,115 electric versions, while Navigator sales grew 42.8% to 22,185 vehicles.
BMW X9, flagship SUV, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, BMW dealers, luxury SUV, X7 competitor, Alpina version, automotive market, three-row SUV
2026
Michael Powers
news
BMW dealers advocate for new flagship SUV to compete with Escalade and Navigator
American BMW dealers are calling for a larger SUV above the X7 to challenge the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, citing potential sales success and market competition.
Michael Powers, Editor
American BMW dealers are advocating for a new flagship SUV that would sit above the X7. They believe a full-size, three-row model could compete with the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.
Kirk Cordill, head of the BMW National Dealer Forum, said the brand would perform "very well" with a larger vehicle, adding that a potential X9 could sell "extremely successfully." He also suggested an Alpina version might rival the Navigator Black Label.
Currently, the BMW X7 starts at $87,500 in the U.S., reaching $115,000 for the X7 M60i. The lineup also includes the Alpina XB7 at $156,000—less than the Escalade-V, which starts at $168,000.
However, the X7 falls short of its competitors in size. It measures 204 inches (5,181 mm) long, 78.7 inches (2,000 mm) wide, with a wheelbase of 122.2 inches (3,105 mm). In contrast, the standard Escalade is 211.9 inches (5,382 mm) long and 81 inches (2,057 mm) wide, while the extended Escalade ESV stretches to 227 inches (5,766 mm).
In 2025, BMW USA sold 31,575 X7 units—significantly fewer than Escalade volumes. Cadillac moved 49,366 gasoline-powered Escalades plus 8,115 electric versions, while Navigator sales grew 42.8% to 22,185 vehicles.
