If there is one recent BMW concept that can be labeled as controversial, then that title has to go to the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance. The big and bold SUV is a preview of the 2019 production series X7 which is BMW’s response to the ever growing luxury SUV market, and it was introduced in a key market – Los Angeles.
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The BMW X7 will be the flagship luxury SUV in the Bavarian lineup and it will contend with cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and even the Range Rover Autobiography. And to do that, it not only needs lots of space, but also a massive look.
The exterior is big, bold and brash, with sharp lines and massive features. Its Kidney Grilles are simply massive, flanked by wide, yet narrow, LED headlights. It’s tall and the height is emphasized by the very sleek headlights. The laser lights have “X” designs, and this is the first BMW X model with perfectly round wheel arches.
Inside the BMW X7 Concept, you’ll notice many features that are reminiscent of the BMW 8 Series Concept’s cabin. The futuristic steering wheel, iDrive controller, glass shift lever and fully digital gauge cluster all look either plucked straight from the 8 Series Concept or at least inspired by it. Whereas the exterior of the X7 Concept is all about being sophisticated, yet imposing, the interior is all about high-tech minimalism.
While BMW has yet to release full details of the X7’s powertrain other than it will feature a TwinPower turbo petrol engine allied with its eDrive technology, but we can assume this will be the 740e’s 2-liter set up with a combined output of 322 hp and the ability to travel up to around 20 miles on electric power alone. There is no doubt that other engines will be available including the 3-liter diesel and the company’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8.
BMW will produce the X7 in Spartanburg starting in late 2018.
I like it. Except for the door handles…not sure I get what the designers were trying for on that. And I’m not sure this is the best color to show off this design…maybe a deep brown, or a even foggy grey. But, overall, it’s definitely an eye-catching design, in a good way.
Jesus, that looks awful.
Just Fugly.
Should sell well.
This design does what it should be doing. Drawing attention. Demanding attention. Pretty it ain’t, imposing and unapologetic, you bet.
A train wreck that I can easily stop looking at without remorse.
I’ve seen smaller trains. It’s no Escalade! That’s a good thing.
What are you on?
NOT u
Still cant accept that front…But it does what it should. Draws attention.
Remember that Bangle was once tasked to create designs that “demanded attention”. But the attention that it received was mostly eggs and rotten tomatoes. As a result BMW had to wait an excruciatingly long time to get rid of Bangle himself (damage control) while it transitioned actual designs (e.g. E90, E92) away from Bangle’s influence. All in all it took the better of a decade or more to let that caustic design era dissipate into the far corners of automotive history.
But it seems, history is primed to repeat itself.
Bangle era also made BMW #1.
History is primed to re repeat itself.