Photo: CarPix
Judging by how the current SUV craze is developing, it probably won't be over too soon, and it would be foolish as carmaker not to be present in every single crossover niche.
BMW was among the earliest adopters of having a premium SUV in the lineup with the first-generation X5, even though the Bavarians still refuse to call their high-riding models using that moniker, preferring SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) instead.
Since 1999, when the X5 E83 was launched, the BMW lineup has expanded to the point of Munich now having fewer sedans than crossovers. That ration will soon change even more in the SAVs' favor since BMW plans to unveil its largest road-going model ever by the end of next year.
The BMW X7 is set to go on sale in a little over a year from now, as a MY2018, and it will be manufactured exclusively in the U.S., at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. This move makes a lot of sense since it's likely that the X7 Leviathan will probably find most of its customers in the land of the free.
That said, a lot of money are to be made in Russia, the Middle East and China with the more potent and luxurious versions of the model. Speaking of which, there are a lot of rumors suggesting that the X7 might offer a V12-engined version with 2+2 seating, not to mention an even longer wheelbase to battle the Range Rover LWB.
In the U.S. at least, the standard version is expected to feature 7 seats and a generous interior regarding space and amenities, most of them being shared with the 7 Series G11.
Based on the OKL architecture, shared with the 7 Series, 5 Series and upcoming 2018 3 Series, the first ever full-size BMW crossover is expected to weigh about as much as the current X5, despite being significantly larger.
Engine wise, it will borrow all its powerplants from the 7 Series, including the plug-in hybrid variant. Pricing should also mirror that of the equivalent versions from its sedan brother.
Since 1999, when the X5 E83 was launched, the BMW lineup has expanded to the point of Munich now having fewer sedans than crossovers. That ration will soon change even more in the SAVs' favor since BMW plans to unveil its largest road-going model ever by the end of next year.
The BMW X7 is set to go on sale in a little over a year from now, as a MY2018, and it will be manufactured exclusively in the U.S., at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. This move makes a lot of sense since it's likely that the X7 Leviathan will probably find most of its customers in the land of the free.
That said, a lot of money are to be made in Russia, the Middle East and China with the more potent and luxurious versions of the model. Speaking of which, there are a lot of rumors suggesting that the X7 might offer a V12-engined version with 2+2 seating, not to mention an even longer wheelbase to battle the Range Rover LWB.
In the U.S. at least, the standard version is expected to feature 7 seats and a generous interior regarding space and amenities, most of them being shared with the 7 Series G11.
Based on the OKL architecture, shared with the 7 Series, 5 Series and upcoming 2018 3 Series, the first ever full-size BMW crossover is expected to weigh about as much as the current X5, despite being significantly larger.
Engine wise, it will borrow all its powerplants from the 7 Series, including the plug-in hybrid variant. Pricing should also mirror that of the equivalent versions from its sedan brother.
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