---
title: "BMW Might Build a Maybach-Rivaling 9 Series"
description: "BMW's design boss isn't ruling out a 9 Series four-door coupe."
date: "2018-08-24"
modified: "2018-08-24"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/23107/bmw-might-build-a-maybach-rivaling-9-series"
categories:
  - "BMW News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "BMW"
  - "Limousines"
  - "luxury cars"
  - "Mercedes-Maybach"
---

# BMW Might Build a Maybach-Rivaling 9 Series

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/08/p90306603_highres-e1535079118480.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

As [BMW](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/23096/2019-bmw-z4-pebble-beach-arrival-matches-stylish-design-and-potent-powerplant>) wades upmarket with the introduction of the [8 Series](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/21561/2019-bmw-8-series-coupe-one-luxury-super-coupe-to-rule-them-all>) coupe, it isn't ruling out the possibility of aiming even higher with a Maybach-rivaling 9 Series, according to a report by [*Autocar*](<https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-9-series-could-be-cards-hints-design-chief>).

When the British publication asked point-blank whether the company is planning a four-door coupe 9er, BMW Design Director Adrian Hooydonk replied, "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."

The Bimmer designer rather cryptically goes on to say that the 8 Series was the beginning of a "new chapter" and that "the coupe will always kickstart the next level in design. The same is true for this car."

A future 9 Series could directly compete with the [Mercedes-Maybach S-Class](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/18448/the-mercedes-maybach-s-class-gets-a-pinstriped-grille-and-two-tone-paint>) and slot underneath the 7 Series-based Rolls-Royce Ghost in BMW's corporate food chain. *Autocar* says that, just like the Ghost, a potential 9 Series would share bones with the 7 Series sedan and probably be a hit in China, a market where rear seat legroom is king.

Back in March, BMW introduced the [M8 Gran Coupe concept](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/19038/bmw-m8-gran-coupe-concept-debuts-at-2018-geneva-motor-show>), a car that previews a potential four-door version of the new 8er and something we wouldn't be surprised to find BMW basing a 9 Series on.

We've reached out to the German automaker for further comment and will update this story if we hear back.

***UPDATE:*** In response, a BMW spokesperson told *The Drive*, "We would not have any comments on what may be coming in the next 10+ years."

## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)