It has emerged that the upcoming BMW X7 could receive an ultra-luxurious version which could act as the company’s rival to the likes of the Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce SUV and a potential Maybach branded SUV from Mercedes-Benz.
When asked about the possibility of a range-topping X7 with a specific focus on exceptional luxury, BMW interior design chief Oliver Heilmer said that it is an attractive concept.
“As a company, we are open-eyed and we are having a close look at our competitors and this is where we are really dealing with it in an intelligent way. From a design perspective, any new concept is attractive from our point of view and every niche could be something new.”
If BMW does indeed create such an X7 version, it could ditch the second and third row of seats in favour of two comfortable executive seats complete with massaging functions and ample legroom and the ability to recline.
Underpinning the BMW X7 will reportedly be the same platform set to debut on the next-generation BMW 7-Series. This platform will reportedly be dubbed the HPLC architecture and it will replace the outgoing 35up chassis. It also makes sense that the X7 will be based around this platform considering prototypes have been spied testing disguised as the next-gen 7-Series.
From an engine standpoint, the German marque will offer both six and eight-cylinder units with a 6.0-litre V12 set to top out the range. That V12 will reportedly be a tweaked version of the engine found in the BMW 760i and could conceivably be tuned to deliver in excess of 550 hp and 554 lb-ft of torque. Beyond the six, eight and twelve cylinder models, it is being suggested that the BMW X7 SUV will be available as a plug-in hybrid using a powertrain similar to the X5 xDrive40e recently unveiled.
