While the upcoming G07 BMW X7 won’t be introduced until later this year, we now have more information about the luxury SUV from Autocar UK and Motor Trend. This comes following an early test drive of prototype units organised by the German automaker.
The X7 will be the flagship of BMW’s SUV line-up, and will compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover. That makes it a big vehicle, and the dimensions certainly show it: 5,100 mm long, 2,020 mm wide and 1,800 mm tall.
For some context, the current-generation F15 X5 measures 4,886 mm long, 1,938 mm wide and 1,762 mm tall. The X7’s wheelbase is also a lot more substantial at 3,010 mm compared to the X5’s 2,933 mm
The SUV is built on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, which is already in use on many other BMW models like the G30 5 Series and G11/12 7 Series. The handling department consists of double wishbones at the front and a five-link setup at the rear, supported by Dynamic Damper Control and Integral Active Steering. Air suspension is available too, and helps vary the ground clearance between 183 mm and 243 mm.
According to the reports, the X7 will be available with several different powertrains that will be released in stages. These models are said to wear badges that include the M50d to the xDrive40i, xDrive50i and xDrive30d.
Initially, six-cylinder engines will be offered, including petrol and diesel units in three litre capacities. There will also be a larger 4.4 litre petrol V8, which confirms an earlier leak that the N63M will be used in the X7, providing 456 hp. All engines will get an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox as standard and the xDrive four-wheel drive system.
Later on, a range-topping M variant will join the mix, equipped with the F90 M5’s S63B44T4 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8. A more fuel efficient plug-in hybrid model is also a sure thing, as we’ve already known since the Concept X7 iPerformance made its debut last year.
Inside, the X7 will offer seating for up to seven people with access to the third row accomplished by fiddling with the powered second-row bench. There will also be a six-seat option, where two individual seats occupy the second row instead.
Aside from that, the interior features a 12.3-inch digital display instrument cluster and another similarly-sized touchscreen infotainment screen. The latter is linked to the BMW’s next-gen iDrive system, while the latter will likely adopt the same look as what was previewed before. Other available items include a coloured head-up display, M Sport seats and steering wheel, along with a Swarovski crystal-trimmed gear lever and rotary controller within the centre console.
With these items, it’s best to look at the X7 as the 7 Series in SUV form rather than an enlarged X5. We’ll have complete details about the extravagant sports activity vehicle (SAV) when it makes its global premiere.
GALLERY: BMW X7 spyshots
GALLERY: BMW X7 production in Spartanburg
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Hehehe. Now I know why it’s “Extravagant”. This X7 measure 5,100 mm long, 2,020 mm wide & 1,800 mm tall.
Not extravagant and luxury enough coz rim design is too cheap
the width is 2020mm?? this thing is wide..even wider than the toyota land cruiser 200…imagime the stance on the road
I saw the pics of the Autocar UK journalist standing next to the X7 even by his height hell the X7 is a huge beast. No way it’s going to fit into our small parking lots. That said would be very intimidating to see one of these shooting right up your ass on a highway. All you can see from your rear mirror is its grills breathing onto to your neck.
I guess it is meant to be valet parked considering the target market
this x7 is shorter than america’s most popular vehicle – f150.