BMW has unveiled its new flagship SUV, the X7, at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The model is based on the X7 iPerformance concept that was on display at last year’s Frankfurt motor show. The production-spec X7 aims to compete with the other seven-seat luxury SUVs like the Land Rover Discovery and the Mercedes GLS by combining the luxury of the 7-series with the X5’s versatility.
The new X7 measures in at 5,151mm in length, 1,990mm in width and 1,805mm in height. The engines on offer include a 340hp, 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine, a 265hp, 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-diesel and a sporty quad-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine that produces 400hp and 761Nm of torque. No hybrid or electric variants of the car have been confirmed yet. All engines will be paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. An off-road package will be offered with four surface-specific drive modes.
Coming to the inside, the X7 follows the same design as the latest X5, with a multi-layered dashboard that houses a digital instrument panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Standard equipment on all models includes a four-zone climate control system, soft-close doors, a three-piece glass sunroof and a park assistant function with a reversing camera. All three rows of the X7 are electronically adjustable. The new range-topping SUV can be had in a seven-seat configuration (with a bench seat in the middle) as well as a six-seat layout (with captain seats in the second row). Boot space is 326 litres with the third row up and 740 litres with it folded, which can be increased to 2,120 litres by folding the second row seats.
There is no word from BMW about an India launch yet. However, if it does come to India, it is expected to compete with the likes of the Land Rover Discovery, Mercedes GLS and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
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