Saar: While the new X5 will enter in its fourth-generation, the X7 will become BMW’s new flagship SUV.
BMW Concept X7 iPerformance
Over the past few months, BMW has revived its X model range with the X2, which is expected in India, the all-new X3, which went on sale in India last month, and the new X4, which will come to India in 2019. But BMW is not done with its X model range for this year. Not by any means. Later in 2018, BMW will launch the fourth-generation of the X5 and the new flagship SUV – the X7. While the third-gen of the former is available in India and will eventually be replaced by the newer version next year, the latter is also expected to land on our shores by the end of next year. Let’s look at them individually and see what to expect.
New BMW X5
In its fourth-generation, the BMW X5 will be underpinned by the company’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform. For the uninitiated, this flexible and lightweight platform debuted a couple of years ago with the current-gen BMW 7 Series. Even the current 5 Series has the same platform underneath. The reworked CLAR platform for SUVs was first fitted to new BMW X3 and the new X5 will become the second high-riding vehicle to get it.
In terms of dimensions, the new BMW X5 will be bigger than the outgoing model. That should help in carving out more space for both living and non-living things inside the cabin. As far as powertrains are concerned, almost all will be borrowed from the current 5 Series. Just like the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, there is a high possibility of a plug-in hybrid variant of the new X5 too. Inevitably, an M-badged X5 (not the M Sport!) will make its stormy entrance into the portfolio. Once launched, it will give the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE a lot to think about.
BMW X7
The BMW X7 was unveiled last year during the International Auto Show in Frankfurt as the Concept X7 iPerformance. Just over three months after that, pre-production models of the X7 went into production at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the USA. BMW confirmed that after the pre-production models have been put through some partially extreme conditions, the production-spec model will enter production towards the end of 2018.
Like the new X5, the X7 will be underpinned by BMW’s CLAR platform. Hence, it will be able to house an inline-6, regular V8 or plug-in hybrid powertrain options. The possibility of a V-12 can’t be ruled out and if it does make it to the X7, it will be, in all probability, the one from the M760i M Performance. And yes, that last one will come with BMW’s xDrive system.
BMW Concept X7 iPerformance
As far as design goes, it will essentially be an extended version of the X5. But to keep things slightly different, expect the X7 to come with a few bespoke design cues such as a more muscular body. The extension in length will open up enough room for three rows of seats and for the features, let’s put it this way – the X7 will be the 7 Series of SUVs.
Once launched, BMW will finally have something to take on the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Lexus LX. Good luck BMW!
Image Source: Motor Authority
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