BMW reveals new range-topping X7 SUV

BMW has revealed the range-topping X7 SUV, which is set to make its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November. According to the German carmaker, "the BMW X7 is the first car to fuse the presence, exclusivity and spaciousness of a luxury model with the agile and versatile driving properties expected of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).”  The X7 is heavily inspired by the X7 iPerformance concept at last year's Frankfurt motor show.

Production will take place at the BMW Plant Spartanburg (USA) with market launch to be in March 2019. Adding the X7 to its portfolio forms part of the BMW Group’s ongoing model offensive in the luxury segment, which is itself a key element in the company’s NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy. 

The new design language, dominated by precise lines and expansive surfaces, intensifies the car’s authoritative aura. The prominent front end, with its exceptionally large BMW kidney grille, gives the car an undeniable sense of presence. The BMW X7 comes as standard with LED headlights, while the optional BMW Laserlight has a high-beam range of up to 600 metres and can be easily identified by the blue x-shaped elements inside the headlights.

The car’s defining features when viewed from the side are its large windows, high ground clearance and long roofline. Horizontal lines, slim LED lights and the two-section split tailgate emphasise the contemporary styling of the rear end. A generous sprinkling of chrome elements adds to the elegance. The car is fitted as standard with 20-inch light-alloy wheels, while 21- and 22-inch variants can be selected from the options list.

The largest BMW X model is 5,151 millimetres long, 2,000 millimetres wide and 1,805 millimetres tall, and has a wheelbase of 3,105 millimetres.

There’s generous interior space across three rows of seats with seven seats as standard. The middle row can be specified with two individual comfort seats as an option. BMW says there’s uncompromised space in the third row, complete with armrests, cupholders and USB ports. All seats are electrically adjustable and there’s Vernasca leather trim as standard. Boot capacity can be expanded from 326 litres to a maximum 2,120 litres.

The BMW X7 comes as standard with Vernasca leather trim, four-zone automatic climate control, a three-section panoramic glass roof, and ambient lighting including the Welcome Light Carpet and Dynamic Interior Light.

The line-up of engines available at launch comprises a 340 kW/462 hp petrol V8 in the BMW X7 xDrive50i (not available in Europe), a six-cylinder in-line petrol unit with an output of 250 kW/340 hp for the BMW X7 xDrive40i and a pair of six-cylinder in-line diesels with outputs of 195 kW/265 hp in the BMW X7 xDrive30d and 294 kW/400 hp in the BMW X7 M50d.