Captured by motor1.com, BMW’s first seven-seat SUV and rival for the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GLS will be underpinned by the now ubiquitous CLAR platform, and based on claims by bmwblog.com, measure 5 100mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 3 010mm, height of 1 800mm and width of 2 020mm. Despite the platform, the X7, depending on the model, will tick the scales at 2 300kg.
As evident from the images, the X7 sports a front-end facia similar to that of the X5, while the rear seems identical as well despite the obvious length gain and larger rear doors. The most interesting aspect though are the blue brake calipers and silver mirror caps, identifying the model as the M Sport variant, which will come with unique exterior and interior touches compared to the standard model.
Based on previous spy shots, the interior will closely align with that of the X5 and 7-series, highlighted by the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and new iDrive infotainment system featuring the 7.0 operating system. A further noteworthy item is the gear lever for the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox, which comes wrapped in leather and embedded with Swarovski crystals.
The bmwblog.com post also claims that the X7, which will also offer a six-seat option, will come with a new air suspension system likely to be the same as the X5’s, have wheel choices ranging between 20 and 22-inches, Integral Active Steering, the Off-Road pack that adds an electronic locking rear differential, Dynamic Damper Control and adaptive suspension with active roll stabilisation.
In terms of power, the X7 will mirror the X5 and come powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six mill producing 250kW/450Nm in the xDrive40i, the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 making 350kW/650Nm in the xDrive50i and the 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel that churns out 195kW/620Nm in the xDrive30d.
While unconfirmed, rumours are that the X7 could spawn an even more powerful flagship using the M760Li’s 6.6-litre bi-turbo V12 and sporting the M60i designation, and perhaps even the quad-turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel from the M50d that makes 294kW/760Nm.
As with BMW’s other X models, the X7 will be produced at the Spartanburg Plant in South Carolina, and reportedly retail from around €80 000 (R1 236 779) in Europe.
