BMW's X8 and X8 M trademarks reinforce rumors of a new flagship SUV.

Rumors of a new BMW SUV to replace the X7 have been swirling for years, and now evidence has surfaced that it, the so-called X8, may be in development.

A search of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office revealed that BMW filed an application in 2016 to protect the X8 name. Forum member X7 also discovered that BMW filed an application to protect the name "X8 M" with the German Patent and Trademark Office on March 24 of this year.

The trademark application does not guarantee the release of a car with the protected name, but BMW's head of research and development Klaus Froehlich recently strongly hinted at the possibility of an X8.

According to previous rumors, the X8 would be a close relative of the X7, but with a focus on rear-seat passengers and their comfort, with just two executive folding seats in the rear seats quite possibly. This is exactly the concept Volvo introduced in the 2016 XC90 Excellence. And while the X8 won't necessarily be a coupe-like SUV like the more compact X4 and X6, the sloping roofline should still be present. It could be similar to the Audi Q8.

Assuming BMW has approved production of the X8, it will likely be a few more years before it shows up in showrooms, as no prototypes have been spotted yet. If it does show up, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne Coupe will be potential competitors.