The concept’s large front grille will be replicated on the production model, whether you like it or not.
After seeing the concept as well as the prototypes we are now ready to see the BMW X7 production in all its glory. After similar unveilings of the production-ready 8Serie Convertible and 8Serie Gran Coupe back June, our colleagues at Motor1.com Brazil were able source the attached images from the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.
BMW’s late answer to Mercedes GLS remains true to the original concept, for better and worse. The front grille is the same as that seen on the 7 Series facelift. However, the headlights aren’t as sharp as those on the Concept X7 iPerformance first unveiled last year at Frankfurt Motor Show.
Although the styling may be a little conservative, the new X7 is more interesting than an over-sized X5 thanks BMW’s efforts to separate the two SUVs and give them different visual identities. These patent images of cars in black and white are very boring. We believe that the real deal will be much more interesting.
Although images of the interior aren’t available on the INPI website we have some spy shots of the cabin of BMWs largest SUV. The new infotainment system will be integrated with a digital instrument cluster, in the same style as the 8 Series Coupe. Swarovski crystals will decorate the gearshift lever, while ample legroom will be provided by the generous wheelbase of 3.01 meters (118.5 in).
The SUV’s 5.01-meter (200 inches) length will come in a seven-seat configuration, as well as a six-seater with two separate seats in the second row. This will make it easier to access the rearmost seats. The estimated weight of the luxobarge will be in the neighborhood of 5,070 pounds (2.300 kilograms). This figure will vary depending on the engine type and how much kit is installed.
The X7 will come with the latest BMW’s biturbo 4.4 liter V8 coupled to an 8-speed ZF transmission and xDrive. The smaller X5 will share most of the engines, including the diesel units for European markets. It is possible that a plug-in hybrid variant of the engine will be released later in its life cycle. An M Performance version may also be added to the family.
In the meantime, the regular BMW X7 will be available in the coming months. The assembly of pre-production cars began in Spartanburg today. Harald Kruger, the company chairman, announced that series production will begin towards the end. It will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. A possible online unveiling may take place a few weeks earlier.