[BMW X7 News]

It was only a matter of time before BMW introduced a proper three-row crossover, and the 2019 X7 marks the German automakers first full-size SUV. Set above the X5, it will be available in two distinct configurations for North America at launch. It will join BMW's roster of cars that are produced at the Spartanburg, South Carolina factory.

Both of its powerplants have been borrowed directly from the like-named versions of the X5. The six-cylinder xDrive40i and the V8 xDrive50i, are both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 40i uses a turbocharged inline six with 335 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The larger 50i is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 that produces 465 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. BMW hasn't mentioned any electric variants, but we suspect that a plug-in hybrid will be made available at a later date.

The xDrive40i base model comes with a good amount of standard equipment. This includes LED headlights, power features, synthetic leather seats, 16-way power-adjustable heated front seats, twin 12.3-inch displays for the gauges and for the infotainment system, a panoramic moonroof, keyless ignition, 21-inch wheels, four-zone climate control, a power tailgate, parking sensors, blind-spot monitors, wood trim and wireless smartphone charging. A well-equipped model will make use of BMW's extended traffic jam assist technology, which allows the car to take over in stop and go traffic at speeds up to 37 mph.

A pair of 12.3-inch screens have been selected for the cabin. The dashboard has replaced the analog instrument cluster with a digital display that can be configured with the steering wheel. Should drivers choose, the infotainment screen can also be controlled using cloud-based voice commands or gesture controls.

As you would expect from a range-topping luxury SUV, the X7's price is steep. The xDrive40i starts at $74,895 and the xDrive50i opens at $93,595.

 

[LittleJacob]

Seems like they've taken everything from the X5 and repackaged it into a more utilitarian vehicle. Not sure if we will ever see a full blown M variant of the X7 but performance based crossovers are growing in popularity.

 

[greerSC]

There's plenty of power already in the V8, but something this large and heavy is never going to perform well in an out of corners. The focus here is a refined and comfortable driving experience, which it seems they have succeeded in delivering.

 

[bavarianbob]

There's plenty of power already in the V8, but something this large and heavy is never going to perform well in an out of corners. The focus here is a refined and comfortable driving experience, which it seems they have succeeded in delivering.

The 7-Series will always indicate what the X7 will get.
Sometime down the road BMW will want to shop cylinders but that might only happen if trimming their SUV line up is required. Till then the X7 might get a high output V8 that keeps power-to-weight ratio better than we expect.

 

[griff]

The 7-Series will always indicate what the X7 will get.
Sometime down the road BMW will want to shop cylinders but that might only happen if trimming their SUV line up is required. Till then the X7 might get a high output V8 that keeps power-to-weight ratio better than we expect.

Now it turns out we're getting 550i version of the X7 and X5 as per a recent news release.
This sets them up perfectly to offer an M version. Possibly making it a matter of when rather than if!

 

[bavarianbob]

Demand for full-size SUV's is so high that BMW can take their time launching the M version.
The big question however is... should they?

 

[griff]

It can be said they should rush one out and I side with that more.

In the past BMW and similar automakers have moved fast on launching products the masses didn't exactly ask for but wanted either way and right away.

 

[bavarianbob]

@griff Looking at Mercedes and Audi's fast moves to launch it can hold true.

AMG's are abundant.