Spy Shots
April 26, 2017 – BMW X7 caught testing on the Nurburgring
January 25, 2016 – BMW X7 caught playing in the snow
Exterior
If you look at the rendering, you’ll quickly notice that or X7 is pretty much identical to the X5. This might seem a bit outrageous at first glance, but it’s exactly what BMW wants to achieve: a bulkier X5 with a more imposing appearance and proper third-row seating. It will also feature a more muscular look, larger wheels, the usual, massive kidney grille, and BMW’s latest headlamp design that can be found on the brand-new 7 Series. Of course, BMW has designed a different bumper for the X7 in order to set it apart from the X5, but the larger SUV won’t stray too far from the company’s familiar design language.
Around back, I expect the same wraparound taillights and sturdy bumper to integrate its appearance into the X family, but there will be significant changes around the rear cabin and roof. As seen in the spy shots, the cabin will have a boxier design toward the rear, while the quarter windows will be larger. Interestingly enough, the X7 doesn’t seem to feature the trademark “hofmeister kink,” which doesn’t happen quite often. However, in this case, the boxy, massive design doesn’t leave room for iconic styling features.
The prototype also sports a big moonroof that appears to stretch from above the driver position all the way back toward the tailgate. Other elements aren’t visible because of the swirly wrap, but the SUV doesn’t seem to have too many features on its side body panels. The character line is rather mild and tall, similar to other BMW-badged SUVs, while the side skirts are as simple as they get. We should see more as soon as the X7 loses some camo in 2017.
Interior
Aimed at the largest and most luxurious SUVs on the market, the X7 will boast an interior that’s likely to borrow cues and features from both the X5 and the new-generation 7 Series sedan. Acres of high-grade leather and Alcantara will cover every inch of the interior that’s not wood or metal, with lots of state-of-the-art technology to quench the segment’s thirst for convenience and safety features.
Note: BMW X5 (left) and BMW 7 Series (right) interior shown here.
Highlights should include BMW’s new iDrive 5.0 with touch display and gesture control, which uses 3D sensors to detect pre-selected hand gestures to perform tasks such as adjusting the audio volume, accepting and rejecting incoming phone calls, navigating to an address and shutting off the screen. The Touch Command Tablet, which is available in the 7 Series sedan, should also find its way in the X7. Essentially a removable seven-inch tablet, Touch Command will allow rear occupants to control everything from HVAC temperatures and the infotainment to the audio system. Speaking of which, the X7 will likely get the Bowers Wilkins Diamond surround system with 1,400 watts and 16 speakers.
On top of being the most luxurious Bimmer SUV ever built, the X7 will also be the roomiest and offer seating for up to seven people. The third-row seat will be optional so buyers will also be able to select a five-seat version with enhanced legroom in the rear and a larger trunk. A four-seat version is also likely for customers that like to enjoy trips in the rear seat. This model will probably get the 7 Series’ Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package that gives the right-side passenger the added comfort of a pop-out footrest and a seatback that reclines up to 42.5 degrees.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, the X7 will most likely use the company’s 3.0-liter inline-six and 4.4-liter V-8. The turbo-six cranks out 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque in the 7 Series and it should arrive with similar figures in the SUV too. Performance-wise, it should be able to hit 60 mph from a standing start in less than six seconds on its way to a top speed of at least 130 mph. The twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, which has also been updated for the new 7 Series, should be good for around 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet. In this configuration, the X7 should be able to reach 60 mph in less than five seconds.
There’s no word on a diesel option, but an M50d version similar to the X5’s is very likely. The oil-burner is fitted with a 3.0-liter, inline six that cranks out 381 ponies and an impressive 546 pound-feet of twist. Given BMW’s recent developments in the hybrid department, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the X7 receive an electric motor for increased fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Whether or not there will be a beefed-up X7 M is still a mystery, but given Mercedes-Benz already has the GL63 AMG, it would be foolish for BMW to not supply the market with a proper competitor. Should the X7 M become reality, I expect it to carry a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 tuned to generate close to 600 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. However, this version won’t be unveiled before the 2020 model year.
Prices
Being the largest and most luxurious BMW ever built, it’s safe to assume the X7 will also become the most expensive vehicle of the X family. As of late 2016, the most expensive X models in the U.S. are the X5, which starts from $55,500, and the X6, priced from $61,400. That said, the base X7 will probably retail from around $70,000, with the range-topping V-8 model to fetch in excess of $85,000. Should BMW offer a performance-oriented M version, expect it to cost at least $120,000 before options.
Competition
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Although it’s been often compared to the X5 in the past, the GLS is actually too big for what BMW and Audi have to offer right now. This will come to an end when the X7 hits dealerships to tackle one of the largest Mercs available. Redesigned in 2012, when it was also received an “S” next to its more familiar “GL” badge, the GLS not only looks sportier than its predecessor, but its bigger, more luxurious, and employs more tech gadgets. Among the extra standard features include several driver assist technologies, nine airbags, and the self-leveling AirMatic suspension. The engine lineup is pretty diverse compared to the Cadillac Escalade, including both diesel and gasoline choices. The 350d model uses a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel rated at 256 horsepower and 457 pound-feet, while the gasoline GLS450 comes with a 3.0-liter V-6 that’s good for 362 horses and 369 pound-feet. The GLS500 (550 in the U.S.) gets its juice from the larger, 4.7-liter V-8 that generates 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of twist. U.S. pricing starts from $67,050.
Learn more about the Mercedes-Benz GLS here.
Cadillac Escalade
Given the X7 will be a full-size SUV, the Escalade is one of its most likely of foes. With its refreshed look, the Escalade will likely take the cake in terms of aesthetics, but it will fall well short of the Bimmer in terms of driving experience. Like All BMW models — even the big boys — the X7 will be designed to deliver both luxury and performance, and the lumbering Caddy just can’t deliver the goods in this department. Now, in terms of base power, the Escalade has no issues, thanks to a 6.2-liter powerhouse that lays down 420 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. This should be enough to get the large luxo-barge up to 60 mph in under seven seconds, likely matching the base X7’s sprint. Unfortunately, GM likes to limit its non-performance models to a 107-mph top speed, so the Escalade likely won’t hang in terms of top speed. Pricing starts from $74,390 for the regular Escalade and from $77,390 for the longer ESV model.
Find out more about the Cadillac Escalade here.
Conclusion
The BMW X7 is long overdue, but I can understand the Germans not being in a hurry with their largest SUV yet. Competing against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover, and the Cadillac Escalade requires certain credentials, and although BMW is a well established player in the luxury market, it steps into a brand-new dimension with the X7. I honestly believe Munich has what it takes to deliver a successful full-size, luxo-barge, but it will take a few years to find out whether the X7 will be good enough to at least surpass at least one of its main competitors.