SPYSHOTS: 2019 G07 BMW X7 – flagship SUV on test

The G07 BMW X7, which is set for a world debut at the end of this year, has been spotted by our spy photographers in the frosty land of Sweden. Although we’ve seen spyshots of the X7 before, this set of pictures marks the first time that we’ve seen the three-rowed flagpship SUV undergo winter testing.

Here, the X7 is still very much camouflaged, but the overall design is pretty much locked in for production. According to BMW’s sales chief, Ian Robertson, the X7’s visual styling will be different from the X5. Contrary to popular belief, it will not share any parts with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which will get its own bespoke architecture.

Performance-wise, a detailed spec sheet that was revealed on Boxing Day last year indicates that the xDrive50i will be powered by a N63M 4.4 litre turbocharged engine that makes 456 hp. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive is standard.

However, word is that there will be an M Performance version of the SUV as well, possibly bearing the M50i nomenclature. More interestingly, an iPerformance plug-in hybrid variant could also be among the cards.

Meanwhile, CEO of BMW North America, Ludwig Willisch, said the brand sees a “slowing of sedan sales.” In fact, BMW foresees that SUVs will make up 40% of BMW’s total sales in the US this year, up from 30% last year. Willisch said that the luxurious X7 will be a niche car and will account for about one percent of its sales.

In terms of pricing, the X7 will carry a sticker price of over US$100k (RM399k), but “it would not be in the US$200k (RM798k) price range,” according to Willisch. BMW also plans to introduce a super luxurious four-seater version of the X7.

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