The largest of the BMW SUV lineup will soon hit the sales and we’re as excited as it gets. After many debate whether the all-new BMW X7 will be produced in the first place, we were relieved to hear that the officials finally confirmed its production, back in 2014. Even though new X7 will be built in the South Carolina based plant, the model will be distributed world-wide. It will be built upon the long-wheelbase platform of the ongoing X6 and will take on the equally anticipated Audi Q9 and the well-known Mercedes GL. The new 2015 BMW X7 will shoot for Chinese, Russian, as well as US markets.
Powertrain and Performance of BMW X7 2015
The new BMW X7 will have similar engine lineup as the ongoing BMW X5, however there wasn’t an official confirmation from the company. However, the base engine will most likely be a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, capable of delivering up to 320 horsepower and a maximum torque output of around 300 pounds-feet. The EPA-estimated fuel consumption for the 3.0-liter engine won’t see much improvement, especially due to the heavier vehicle and it will most likely be rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Alternatively, the more powerful engine will be offered, as well. It will be a twin-turbo V8 unit, with an amazing power output of 450 horsepower and a total output of 470 pounds-feet of torque.
This engine will feature even worse fuel consumption numbers, as it will probably consume 15 percent more fuel. These two engines are more than enough for the buyer to be satisfied, if he or she is driving an X5, but the monstrosity such as the new X7 does require a top of the line engine as well. The 6.0-liter naturally-aspirated V12 will be a perfect fit. The engine is capable of delivering 544 horsepower and the new X7 will be the first X-series model to feature such engine. Later on, there will be a possibility for a plug-in hybrid variant, as well. The new X7 will feature mandatory all-wheel drive and all engines in the line-up will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission system.
2015 BMW X7 Exterior and Platform
The all-new X7 will share the platform with the next generation X5, as well as the X6 models. Even though it will be considerable larger car than the X5, thanks to liberal use of aluminum alloys and high-strength steel, it won’t weigh that much more than the X5. It’s said that the 2015 BMW X7 will feature some carbon fiber elements, but it will unlikely be for the functionality purposes, but mostly for decoration. As far as the looks goes, it’s still early to predict how exactly will the X7 look, but given the language the BMW’s X-series speaks, it will likely borrow many elements from the X5, especially at the front.
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Of course, at the front, we expect the new X7 to feature large all-famous kidney grille, aggressive-looking, machete-shaped headlights and large air intakes on the front apron. Given the unofficial renders, fog lights are likely to be positioned closer to the headlights and kidney grille. At the back, we expect taillights similar to the ones found on the X5, as well as the sturdy rear bumper. It will definitely be more massive and larger than the X5, but exact dimensions are still a secret.
Interior and Features of X7 BMW 2015
Everything on the inside will be as luxurious as possible. It will most likely beat the 7-series in that segment. First-grade genuine leather, as well as Alcantara will be mandatory upholstery material and it will cover not just seats, but other surfaces, too. High-quality wood trim elements, state of the art technology and abundance of safety features will surely reserve the 2015 BMW X7 the first row in the automotive industry.
Estimated Release Date and Price of new BMW X7 2015
There is still plenty of time ahead, until the official release of the new 2015 BMW X7. It is scheduled for 2017 and, as far as the prices are concerned, it is expected for the base model to cost around $80K, ranging all the way to +$100K for the most luxurious trim levels. We can’t wait to see how the new model will battle the competition and how will it inspire other to improve their models, as well.
See also: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/86389/bmw-x7-4×4-confirmed