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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.