Photo: BMW
The recent launch of the new BMW F15 X5 made us wonder about a couple of things. Most of us expected the new SAV to be bigger than its predecessor, to make the difference between itself and the X3 more noticeable.
A closer look at the specs will show you, though, that the new X5 has the exact same wheelbase and all the other dimensions are also almost identical and whilst most of us will overlook this potential 'step-back', it might hide some clues about future BMW plans.
The current size of the X5 will prove problematic in the upcoming fight with Audi's future, bigger, Q8 (as if the Q7 wasn't big enough already) and Mercedes-Benz's GL- Class. Why? Because the X5 will be outmatched in terms of space.
That brings forth another issue. How will BMW counter this offensive? Well, even though in the past, the BMW CEO, Norbert Reithofer shut down previous versions of a so-called BMW X7, recent developments might force them to revise their attitude towards a bigger Bimmer.
If such a car will be built, it will definitely have a longer wheelbase and a new third row of seats, in order to comfortably accommodate 7 people. Furthermore, recent rumors say that even Rolls-Royce might bring out a SUV-like model, a more luxurious version of the X7 but one that will most likely share its platform.
Of course, the Rolls-Royce version would definitely have to have the classic V12 under its bonnet, but a couple of hybrid plug-in models might also be possible. The X7 on the other hand, could do with a turbocharged V8 and even smaller engine, considering it will most likely be using the light-weight technology developed for the i3.
If everything will go as expected, the X7 could be assembled at the same factory as its little brothers (the X5 and X6) in South Carolina and might arrive somewhere in 2017, to see off the new Q8 and GL. Keep your fingers crossed.
The current size of the X5 will prove problematic in the upcoming fight with Audi's future, bigger, Q8 (as if the Q7 wasn't big enough already) and Mercedes-Benz's GL- Class. Why? Because the X5 will be outmatched in terms of space.
That brings forth another issue. How will BMW counter this offensive? Well, even though in the past, the BMW CEO, Norbert Reithofer shut down previous versions of a so-called BMW X7, recent developments might force them to revise their attitude towards a bigger Bimmer.
If such a car will be built, it will definitely have a longer wheelbase and a new third row of seats, in order to comfortably accommodate 7 people. Furthermore, recent rumors say that even Rolls-Royce might bring out a SUV-like model, a more luxurious version of the X7 but one that will most likely share its platform.
Of course, the Rolls-Royce version would definitely have to have the classic V12 under its bonnet, but a couple of hybrid plug-in models might also be possible. The X7 on the other hand, could do with a turbocharged V8 and even smaller engine, considering it will most likely be using the light-weight technology developed for the i3.
If everything will go as expected, the X7 could be assembled at the same factory as its little brothers (the X5 and X6) in South Carolina and might arrive somewhere in 2017, to see off the new Q8 and GL. Keep your fingers crossed.
Google News