Upcoming 2019 BMW X7 SUV spotted testing in India

Team OD Updated: July 09, 2019, 05:04 PM IST

The 2019 BMW X7 SUV has been spotted testing in India. This is the German carmaker's flagship SUV and made its debut internationally at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show a few months ago. The X7 is expected to launch in India in the next few weeks.

The car sits above the X5 in its range and is the first three-row SUV from BMW. Dimensionally, the car will be similar in size to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The car has an altogether more upright stance when seen alongside other BMW SUVs. The front has a massive iteration of the kidney grille which is flanked on either side by slim all-LED headlamps. These sit above an aggressive looking bumper with large air inlets. The sides profile is relatively subdued with only a single shoulder line running the length of the car. Wheel sizes are a substantial 22-inches. The rear gets a split tailgate, much like the Range Rover, which can support weights of up to 150kgs.

The interiors can be expected to come with tech and refinement features at par with the 7 Series. All three rows have large amounts of space for occupants and two seating options will be made available. One six-seater option with two captain's chairs in the middle row or a seven-seater with middle bench seat. The interior comes with two 12-inch touchscreens, a new design for the centre console which incorporates Swarovski crystal elements, advanced gesture control functions and panoramic sunroofs for all three rows.

Engine options are the regular BMW fare, three options will be available at launch. Two 3.0 litre twin turbo straight six options in petrol (X7 40i) and diesel (X7 35d). This will be joined by the range-topping 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 petrol (X7 50i). There are expectations of a flagship X7 60Li V12, but like the 7 Series, no X7 M will be made available. Other versions like an X7 40e hybrid four-cylinder and base RWD model will be made available later. All versions will come equipped with the eight-speed automatic. Active drive modes and an optional rear-wheel steering system will also come a part of the package.

The SUV will be BMW's response to its main rivals offering increasingly high-end SUVs. Buyers, especially in China and USA, have shown a great appetite for ultra-luxurious SUVs and this seems like a logical addition to the portfolio of an upmarket brand like BMW. The BMW X7 will compete with the likes of the Range Rover, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and the upcoming Audi Q8.

Spy photos source: Automobili Ardent

Also see: 2019 BMW X7 First Drive Video