Judging by the published photos, the exterior of the new model will be in the spirit of the Concept X7 iPerformance, unveiled last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The main difference from the brand's more compact crossovers — the X5 and X6 — will be a three-row interior designed for six passengers, two in each row.
As seen in the spy photos, the interior will feature a new instrument panel styled after the 8-Series, as well as a large touchscreen for the iDrive multimedia system, similar to the one used in the 5-Series sedan. The trim will include leather, wood inserts, and Alcantara.
The full-size crossover will be based on the modular CLAR platform, which is already used on the new-generation flagship 7-Series sedan. The X7 will share its lineup of petrol and diesel engines with the 7-Series, up to the most powerful unit — a V12. A hybrid version is also planned, using the powertrain from the X5 xDrive40e, with a combined output of 313 horsepower. As expected, drive will be all-wheel drive, based on the latest-generation xDrive system.
The car's public debut is scheduled for mid-October this year. Assembly will be organized at BMW's plant in South Carolina, USA, where the X3, X4, X5, and X6 models are already produced for both the local market and export to many countries.
Among the main rivals of the new model are the Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7, and Cadillac Escalade. The Bavarian manufacturer expects to sell 45,000 units of the BMW X7 annually. It was previously reported that the car's price could reach approximately 130,000 euros.
