Photo: BMW
A couple of hours ago, BMW teased "something big" that's coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show. Since the German automaker has been considering an X7 SUV flagship for about a decade and has already moved to prototype testing, we all knew what it was. But now we have confirmation in the form of a few leaked images.
Whenever BMW makes a major change to its brand or design, it likes to put together a preview concept, measuring the public's reaction and drumming up excitement.
In this case, the X7's styling will also be shared with the slightly shorter X5 model. But since there's never been an SUV equivalent to the 7 Series, it gets the concept treatment. The best way to describe it is "takes some getting used to."
The X7's width-to-height ratio has more in common with Range Rovers than the coupe-like X6, which every footballer and rapper likes. But maturely, the concept makes a statement. The two kidney grilles are bright silver and have been joined in the middle, reminding us of the Lincoln Navigator. Also, thin metallic edges define everything from the air intakes to the flush door handles and mirrors.
The most note-worthy feature of the interior is the steering wheel, which has Mercedes-inspired controllers on either side. Many of the switches and screens on this concept are closer to a production car than what we've seen in the 8 Series.
Obviously, the whole point of making the X7 is to rival the Mercedes GLS, which is why the third row of seats is added over the rear wheels. The concept has six places, but those sexy captain's chairs of the second row will be replaced by a bench that seats three.
The badging on the side suggests this is a regular plug-in hybrid. When put into production, it should have the same powertrain as the 740e, which utilizes a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is backed up by an electric motor and a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
But the bulk of the sales should be made up of the 4.4-liter V8 and various 3-liter inline-6 configurations.
In this case, the X7's styling will also be shared with the slightly shorter X5 model. But since there's never been an SUV equivalent to the 7 Series, it gets the concept treatment. The best way to describe it is "takes some getting used to."
The X7's width-to-height ratio has more in common with Range Rovers than the coupe-like X6, which every footballer and rapper likes. But maturely, the concept makes a statement. The two kidney grilles are bright silver and have been joined in the middle, reminding us of the Lincoln Navigator. Also, thin metallic edges define everything from the air intakes to the flush door handles and mirrors.
The most note-worthy feature of the interior is the steering wheel, which has Mercedes-inspired controllers on either side. Many of the switches and screens on this concept are closer to a production car than what we've seen in the 8 Series.
Obviously, the whole point of making the X7 is to rival the Mercedes GLS, which is why the third row of seats is added over the rear wheels. The concept has six places, but those sexy captain's chairs of the second row will be replaced by a bench that seats three.
The badging on the side suggests this is a regular plug-in hybrid. When put into production, it should have the same powertrain as the 740e, which utilizes a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is backed up by an electric motor and a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
But the bulk of the sales should be made up of the 4.4-liter V8 and various 3-liter inline-6 configurations.
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