BMW unleashes its biggest SUV yet with the 2019 X7

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This article was published 26/10/2018 (2885 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Although we drove a pre-production version of the 2019 BMW X7 last summer, wrapped up in camouflage, the company has just released official pictures of its newest — and biggest — SUV.

The X7 will be built in Spartanburg, S.C., alongside the 2019 BMW X5, which received a full redesign, sharing many components. The X7’s wheelbase is 130 millimetres longer than the X5’s (3105 mm versus 2975 mm), and overall length is up by 207 mm, providing more interior space for rearseat occupants. Three-row, seven-passenger seating is standard, although second-row captain’s chairs can be ordered for a six-passenger layout. Those seats include the same power-adjustments as the front ones, in addition to integrated armrest and comfort cushions. With all seats upright, cargo space is rated at 1,376 litres, while folding down the second and third rows yields a cargo area of 2,560 L.

The interior furnishings are on par with the quality found in the BMW 7 Series sedan, although the instrument panel design is virtually identical to the X5’s. Also on board are twin 12.3-inch LCD screens, as is the 7.0 operating system — BMW’s latest infotainment software — which brings new connectivity features. On the options list are a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, BMW Laserlights, an app allowing a smartphone to act as car key, a rearseat Blu-ray entertainment system with dual touchscreens as well as a 1,500-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound system.

BMW claims the X7’s signature kidney grille is the largest one even fitted to their models, because of course, bigger is better. It boasts a more upright stance than the X5 with its broad shoulders and hips, and the standard 21-inch alloy wheels further enhance the SUV’s massiveness.

Two versions of the 2019 BMW X7 will be offered at launch. The xDrive40i boasts a turbocharged, 3.0-L inline-six that develops 335 horsepower as well as 330 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 5,200 rpm. The xDrive50i gets a twin-turbo, 4.4-L V8 that belts out 456 horsepower as well as 479 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,500 and 4,750 rpm.

Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but we’re expecting a base price of about $80K. For the record, the X5 xDrive40i starts at $71,000 while the xDrive50i retails from $86,000. The 2019 BMW X7 will go on sale next March.

— LC Media