BMW X7 (spy shot)
BMW’s new flagship SUV
reportedly enters production in 2018 (BMW has not confirmed SOP date), and will
rival the Range Rover.
Being an early prototype, most of the design
elements are covered up with camouflage wrap and some elements are dummy. Upon
first glance the profile looks like an extended BMW X5, although the X7 is
expected to look more grandiose with chrome garnish, sleek elements,
LED-powered (optional laser headlamps) illumination and large alloy rims. The
kidney grille is likely to be the largest BMW has ever fitted on a production
car, complete with active-aero ducts.
The interior will match the luxury quotient and
design of the BMW 7-Series. Base variants could feature standard three-row
seating, while the range-topping variant could lose the third-row seat and
second row bench seat for two individual rear seats similar to the 7 Series,
with features like rear-seat entertainment, foldable tables, seat massaging and
power adjustment, and a refrigerator.
Expect the X7 to feature a driver-focused dashboard
housing BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system with gesture control and a
suite of semi-autonomous driving aids, including Self Parking Assistant via
BMW’s Display Key.
The BMW X7 will be based on the 7 Series’s CLAR
(cluster architecture) platform with Carbon Core, which uses carbon fiber in
certain parts of the body construction to improve rigidity as well as lower
weight. Engine lineup will also be sourced from the flagship limousine, which
includes a base 3.0L twin turbo inline six and 4.4L twin turbo V8. Reports
suggest that BMW will offer the 6.0L twin-turbo V12 engine in the range-topping
variant. The top-end model will cost well north of 100,000 Euros in Germany.
The range-topper will be easily distinguishable, thanks to its
unique styling.
BMW has not confirmed a RHD version which puts
India, Australia, South Africa, Thailand, Japan and UK off its radar for now.
