BMW X7 Concept (pictured) previews BMW’s new, big luxury SUV
The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance is heading for a Frankfurt debut at BMW previews the big SUV they hope will tackle the Range Rover and Mercedes GLS.
Dubbed the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance, the I7 Concept delivers a very clean-lined big box SUV look (not, in many ways, unlike the Volvo XC90) with statement kidney grille, big air openings, big, blingy alloys, a deep – and familiar – scoop in the flanks and a back end which is very upright.
Clearfly BMW are aiming to make the X7 the 7 Series SUV, and as such it is targeted at the Mercedes GLS, but there most be hope at BMW it can persuade Range Rover buyers to take a look too.
In terms of size the three – the X7, Range Rover and GLS – are very similar in size, with the X7 about an inch longer and an inch and a half lower than the Range Rover, and a touch shorter and lower than the GLS. But they’re all big old lumps.
Inside, there’s seating for six in three rows (no doubt for seven in the production i7), a huge glass roof to bathe the interior in light, loads of legroom thanks to a 3010mm wheelbase, contrasting leathers, matt finish Ash veneers, aluminium, driving facing facia, 12.3″ digital instruments and Infotainment screen merging across the fascia, backlit crystal glass controls on the centre console and a very minimalist, clean and luxury look.
Lurking under the skin is (what is probably) the plug-in hybrid powertrain from the 740e xDrive which combines a 2.0 litre Turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for 322bhp, but here in the X7 the batteries are bigger and able to deliver an EV range of over 60 miles. But expect the usual range of BMW’s 7-Series engines to be available too.
Ian Robertson, BMW’s Sales and Brand Board Member, said:
Since BMW founded the Sports Activity Vehicle segment with the first X5 back in 1999, every subsequent X vehicle has broken new ground. The BMW X7 continues this tradition: the X family’s new top model extends BMW’s offering in the luxury class and redefines the concept of luxury for the BMW brand and beyond.
The BMW Concept x7 iPerformance gets its public reveal next week in Frankfurt, and it looks like the production version of the X7 will arrive by this time next year.
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