BMW Concept X7 iPerformance previews range-topping SUV

The dimensions of the concept are said to closely mirror those of the upcoming production version of the new SUV, which is planned to be produced at BMW’s Spartanburg manufacturing facility in South Carolina, USA.

By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLS stretches 5131mm in length, 1981mm in width and 1849mm in height, while riding on a 3076mm wheelbase. Other perceived rivals include the Range Rover, which runs to the 4999mm in length, 2220mm in width, 1835mm in height and uses a 2922mm wheelbase in standard form.

Inside, the Concept X7 iPerformance provides accommodation for up to six occupants in three rows of seats. Like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, however, the production version has been conceived to offer seating for up to seven. The dashboard and its controls mark new ground for BMW’s X models, as does its digital instrument display.

BMW isn’t giving too much away about the plug-in petrol-electric driveline used by the Concept X7 iPerformance, although it confirms it has been engineered to deliver a pure electric range more than twice that of existing hybrids offered by the German car maker at 62 miles.

Autocar can reveal it relies on the same set-up as that used by the 740e xDrive iPerformance, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine operating in combination with an electric motor in the forward section of the gearbox housing, albeit with a larger capacity battery providing a greater range.

In the 740e xDrive iPerformance, the plug-in hybrid system delivers 255bhp and 295lb ft of torque. 

The upcoming X7 forms part of a push to further establish BMW’s presence in the luxury car segment under the company’s Number One > Next strategy.

The German car maker says the production version of the concept unveiled in Frankfurt forms part of a exclusive club of BMW models that also includes the existing sixth-generation 7-series and upcoming second-generation 8-series coupé together with the i8 coupé and soon-to-be-launched i8 roadster.

“The X7 embodies elements of our corporate strategy to grow our presence in the luxury class,” said Ian Robertson, BMW sales and marketing boss. “The X family’s new top model extends BMW offering the luxury class and redefines the concept of luxury for the brand.”

To underline its up-market aspirations, BMW’s designers have provided the concept of the new SUV with a revised badge. Harking back to the treatment seen on early BMW models, it combines a black-and-white version of the company’s traditional roundel with its name, Bayerische Motoren Werke, written in full.  

X appeal: BMW’s SUV family

BMW X1

BMW’s entry-level SUV, now in its second generation, is the only current X model to use a transverse engine. It is also built in long-wheelbase guise for the Chinese market, where the model is offered with a plug-in petrolelectric hybrid powertrain denied to UK customers.

BMW X2

Due to reach UK showrooms in 2018, the X2 was previewed as a concept at last year’s Paris motor show. Known under the codename F49, it shares its platform and powertrains with the X1, alongside which it will be produced in BMW’s factory in Leipzig, Germany.

BMW X3

The third-generation X3, known internally as the G01, made its public debut alongside the Concept X7 iPerformance at this week’s Frankfurt motor show. UK sales are scheduled to begin in November, with an electric version planned to arrive in 2019.

BMW X4

The second-generation X4, known under the codename G02, is in the final stages of development testing. Based on the same platform as the new X2, it is set to go on sale next year, with hot petrol and diesel M-Performance models planned from the outset of sales.

BMW X5

The current third-gen F15 model was launched in 2013 and development of its 2019 replacement is well under way. Innovations include the use of BMW’s CLAR (cluster architecture) platform, giving 48V compatibility and greater plug-in petrolelectric hybrid options.