Photo: SB Medien
BMW announced that they will be going after yet another niche last year, along with the plans to expand the capabilities of their Spartanburg plant. Their new model will be called X7 and this is the first time we’ve seen the company testing it out in the wild.
It may seem peculiar at first, as the car in the photos below looks like a G11 7 Series but the extra weight positioned on the bonnet and roof is a clear indication as to what BMW is testing here. Therefore, we now know that the X7 will be using the G11 platform and the added bits and pieces serve to test how the car handles with an elevated center of gravity.
By the looks of things, the new model will be quite impressive in size, judging by the amount of added weight noticeable here. It will be taking on the likes of the GLS from Mercedes-Benz (ex GL-Class) and the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade.
Under the bonnet every new tidbit from Bavaria will be offered, including the new generation of engines and the most recent lightweight materials. Plants should vary from 3-liter petrol and diesel ones with one, two and three turbochargers (maybe even four as the rumors are suggesting) and higher-output V8s as well, including the 4.4-liter N63 plants in a new configuration (more power and torque).
A hybrid powertrain shouldn’t be left out, most likely being one with over 500 HP combined and around 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque combined with an xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Inside, seating for 7 should be expected but with considerably more room than in the X5 for example, that uses a made up third row in the back. Of course, the latest iDrive with touch sensitive screens and augmented reality should also make an appearance.
Don’t expect the car to come out too soon though. As you can see, BMW is now testing it in mule-guise so development is still pretty far off. However, late 2016 should bring us the first images of the car, either in concept guise or production form.
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