The 2019 BMW Z4 got outed by the patent office last
month and now it’s the X7’s turn. The
images reveal the upcoming Mercedes GLS competitor will resemble a super-sized
version of the X5. Despite the styling similarities,
there are a handful of differences between the two models.
While both crossovers share a massive grille, the
headlights on the X7 are unique and notably slimmer than the ones used on the
X5. The X7 also adopts a more conservative front bumper with a chrome bar that
extends into the air intakes.
The sides of the crossover reveal more differences
as the X7 has a chromed lower accent which mimics the one used on the 7-Series
sedan. That isn’t the only change as the model has a more traditional character
line and a flatter beltline than the X5.
The biggest differences can be seen in profile as the X7 is longer and adopts massive rear doors
which will help improve entry and egress from the third row. The roofline is also
a tad flatter and there’s a unique third quarter window which is more squared
off than the one used on the smaller model.
Out back, the only notable styling features are a
dual exhaust system and unique taillights which are connected by a thin strip
of chrome trim. These features are hardly worth mentioning, but a closer look
at the roof suggests the model will have a traditional panoramic glass roof as
well as a smaller sunroof above the third row.
While the X7 will look different than the X5, the two
models will share a number of the same engines. These are expected to include a
turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 335 hp and 450 Nm of torque. There should also be
a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 producing 456 hp and 650
Nm of torque.
In Europe, the X7 could be offered with a couple of
diesel units including a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 261 hp and 620 Nm of torque. There could also be an X7 M50d
with a quad-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine developing 394 hp and 760 Nm of torque.
Further down the road, we can expect a plug-in
hybrid variant and, possibly, even a high-performance model with the M850i’s V8
engine that develops 522 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
