Although spied last month wearing minimal layers of disguise, the series of images by the All The Cars Wordpress page stays true to the prototype and indeed the concept X7 iPerformance shown in Frankfurt last year, with a front facia derived from the new X5, a similar appearance to rival Mercedes-Benz’s GLS from the D-pillar back and the same taillights expected on the facelifted 7-series connected by a thin chrome strip.
Based on recently leaked documents, the X7 will become the latest model to make use of BMW’s CLAR platform and measure 5 100mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 3 010mm, height of 1 800mm and width of 2 020mm. In spite of the platform’s use of lightweight materials, the X7 will still tick the scales at some 2 300kg.
Inside, the interior will mirror that of the X5 and come with the brand’s new iDrive infotainment display, the all-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster likely to be on the options list for lower-end models and Swarovski crystals embedded into the gear lever of the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox on top-spec variants.
No technical details have yet been revealed, but speculation is that the X7 will once again take-after the X5, and use the 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol for the xDrive40i, the 4.4-litre 350kW/650Nm twin-turbo V8 for the xDrive50i and the single-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six diesel in the xDrive30d that outputs 195kW/620Nm.
Also rumoured is the M760Li xDrive’s 448kW/800Nm 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 for use in the likely performance orientated M60i, and even the quad-turbocharged 3.0-litre oil burner from the X5 xDrive50d that produces 294kW/760Nm.
Production will take place at BMW’s Spartanburg Plant in South Carolina with sales commencing next year.
