The 2019 BMW X7 is expected to be unveiled at the
Los Angeles Auto Show later this year and spy photographers have caught a
prototype wearing less camouflage than ever before. The X7 looks like a
larger X5 because that’s essentially what it is. However, there are some
styling differences between the two models as the X7 features unique headlights
and significantly longer rear doors. The crossover also eschews the X5’s
‘lightning bolt’ character line which starts at the front fender and then
travels through the rear door handles.
The modest styling changes are also visible at the
rear as the X7 has unique taillights that are connected by a thin strip of
chrome trim. If you’re having a hard time imaging what they will look like, the
X7 iPerformance concept will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Both models will also have similar
interiors. As the result, we can expect a digital instrument cluster, metallic
accents and the latest version of iDrive. There should also be an assortment of
options including Vernasca and Merino leather upholstery, illuminated door sill
plates and heated / ventilated multifunction front seats with a massage
function. Other options should include a four-zone automatic
climate control system, a panoramic glass roof, heated / cooled cup holders and
a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. Customers can also
expect a rear seat entertainment system with 10.2-inch displays and an M Sport
variant featuring a sport steering wheel, alloy pedals and Aluminium Tetragon
trim.
In the United States, the model will likely be
launched with two different engine sourced from the X5. The entry-level X7
xDrive40i should have a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that develops 335 hp and 450 Nm of torque. It enables the X5 to
accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds before hitting a top speed
of 243 km/h, so expect the larger X7 to be a bit slower.
There should also be an X7 xDrive50i with a
twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 456 hp and 650 Nm of torque. The crossover should be able to run from 0-100
km/h in around five seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 250
km/. European customers will likely have a couple of
diesel options. The base unit should be a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder
engine with 261 hp and 620 Nm of torque.
Performance minded buyers can also expect an X7 M50d featuring a
quad-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 394 hp and 760 Nm of torque.
Pricing remains a mystery, but the X5 xDrive40i
starts at US$ 60,700 in the United States and it wouldn’t be surprising if the X7
was priced similarly to the Mercedes GLS which begins at US$ 69,550.
Cr : Carscoops
