BMW X7's Gruelling Testing Journey Showcased

BMW has released a new video showcasing how it has begun the gruelling test phase for the upcoming flagship X7 ‘SAV’ (Sports Activity Vehicle, BMW speak for SUV). BMW says the X7 will be ‘a new definition of luxury’ which can be experienced on varied driving situations. The visuals show the SUV being driven through various environments including snow, desert sands, long straight highways and twisty mountain paths.

These extreme tests are normal for most car manufacturers, with testing sometimes done across different continents. Winter tests for the X7 were done close to the arctic circle in Sweden while long-distance endurance tests in the desert and gravel tracks were conducted in South Africa. The tests also included stop-go traffic simulations (on closed roads, to keep prying eyes away) while there were many closed-off private twisty roads near Spartanburg, North Carolina, where the company tested its handling characteristics. BMW says the X7 has got the blend of enthusiastic driving characteristics and luxurious experience just right, while testing continues to make it tougher.

The X7’s final design has been finalised, though what we see here are pre-production models wrapped in camouflage. The X7 will be huge, with an in-your-fascia not seen on other X models. The huge size will make the X7 a spacious SUV capable of sporting 3 rows of comfortable seats. We only have photos of the X7 iPerformance Concept for now to develop some expectations, but expect BMW to keep the production model as close to the concept as possible.

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From some shots of the pre-production model, provided by BMW themselves at the end of 2017, it is clear that the X7 will feature two separate but massive sunroofs instead of the all-glass roof shown on the concept. The fancy interior of the concept will be toned down, but it will still be more luxurious than the one in the 7 Series, we assume.

Drivetrain options have not been confirmed, but the X7 is expected to be powered by both petrol and diesel powertrains paired exclusively to automatic transmissions and the company’s signature xDrive AWD system. The X7 iPerformance Concept was showcased with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and a version of the same is expected to be offered in most markets keeping in mind the tough emission norms everywhere these days.

The BMW X7 will be exclusively manufactured at the company’s plant in Spartanburg, North Carolina, USA, and is expected to be launched in India sometime in 2019. Competition for the X7 includes the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the Audi Q7 and the upcoming Audi Q8. Stay tuned for more details. Check out the video below: