[5] Used Bmw Suv On This Year Talks

What It Is: An artist's impression of what the upcoming BMW X7 über-SUV could look like. It will be a far bigger vehicle than the X5, offering a fully usable third row. Currently, the X5 is available with tiny third-row seats that are suitable only for small children and mostly steal cargo room from behind the second-row chairs.

Our artist has taken design inspiration from the front styling of the Pininfarina-penned 2013 Gran Lusso Coupe, which was launched at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este that year. The final details of the production X7 might look different, but it is certain to be strongly distinguished from the X5—unlike the next X6 coupe/SUV mash-up, which will feature the same front end as the X5 on which it is based. Down the road, the X7 could form the basis for a possible Rolls-Royce SUV, that would take on the upcoming Bentley SUV.

Why It Matters: A BMW X7 has been rumored for 15 years now, but BMW has never mustered the courage to do a vehicle that is so far removed from the brand's core values. (At least it sits atop a RWD-based platform.) However, despite rising fuel prices, the desire for medium-to-large SUVs has grown, especially in the U.S., which is the market focus of this new model. And that's also why it will be built in BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina, assembly plant, which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary. We envision that it will also do well in markets with similar tastes, such as Russia, China, and perhaps the Middle East.

View Photos2014 BMW X5 xDrive50i and xDrive30dKEVIN A. WILSON, THE MANUFACTURER

Platform: The X7 will share its architecture with future generations of the X5 and X6. That means it will also have considerable overlap with the 7-series, especially in terms of electronic gear and available infotainment and assistance systems. Thanks to liberal use of aluminum and high-strength steel, its weight will remain close to the X5’s. BMW will perhaps also use some carbon fiber, although we believe that its application would be more decorative than functional in this vehicle.

Powertrains: In the U.S., the X7 will be offered with turbocharged inline-six and V-8 gasoline engines; straight-six diesel and plug-in hybrid variants are also possible. BMW's vast and expanding parts bin would enable the carmaker to offer even more options, potentially stretching from a turbocharged four-banger to an M version, although we doubt that these extremes will come to market. All-wheel drive will be standard and all engines will be mated to an eight-speed automatic.

Competition: Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX570, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GL-class, Toyota Land Cruiser.

Estimated Arrival and Price: When it arrives in 2017 as a 2018 model, we expect the X7 to command prices from $60K upwards, in line with competition from Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-class.

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