Tag Archives: X7

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5 Things to Love About the Official BMW X7 Pickup Truck

In October, BMW released a rendering of a pickup truck that — if we’re being honest — didn’t look all that great. Still, it was a new direction for the brand that’s normally known for its luxury sedans, but the new X7 pickup is moving the manufacturer squarely into truck territory.

The concept isn’t rolling off assembly lines just yet, but we’re already excited to see what this might mean for the brand. Let’s take a look at some of the best things about this new BMW pickup truck.

1. It’s Designed by Students

This isn’t a prototype that comes off one of BMW’s many assembly lines. Instead, it was designed and built by students in Munich that are enrolled at the brand’s vocational training center.

Yes, you read that right — the BMW pickup that you’ve been dreaming about since the concept art was revealed in October was built by students, and it looks amazing. Plus it only took them 10 months to complete the job.

Of course, this means that there are only one of these concepts right now, but we can cross our fingers that this will change soon.

2. It’s Based on the X7 SUV

BMW took a page out of Cadillac’s book with this design. Instead of creating a totally new pickup truck, they used the existing frame of an X7 SUV, removing the back row of seats and replacing it with a bed that’s big enough to fit an F 850 GS motorcycle.

This means that you’ve got plenty of room for all your passengers, plus a ton of storage space in the back for whatever you’re hauling, all wrapped up in the comfort and luxury that BMW is known for.

3. It Weighs Less Than the SUV

Carbon fiber takes the place many on of the body components in this prototype, including the roof, rear doors, and cargo bed. This actually takes 440lbs off the weight of the production model X7 SUV. If the pickup becomes an actual production model, this will likely help improve its gas mileage.

4. It’s Gorgeous

Just look at these pictures — for a truck that started its life as an SUV, it is downright gorgeous. The cargo bed is lined with handcrafted teakwood similar to what you’d find on a Rolls-Royce, and it’s painted in BMW’s Tanzanite Blue.

The contrasting colors — dark blue exterior and honey stain on the teakwood — was actually inspired by the color scheme used on luxury yachts.

5. It’s Packing Power Under the Hood

The SUV that eventually became the X7 Pickup was a pre-production prototype that was due to be scrapped before this project began. It’s equipped with an xDrive40i engine — a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine capable of generating 335hp and 330 foot-pounds of torque.

Forever a Prototype

Much to our disappointment, BMW isn’t planning to launch a line of luxury pickup trucks, despite how gorgeous this one looks.

Maybe, if the luxury brand sees how many fans are interested in purchasing one of these models, they’ll change their mind but for now, the X7 pickup will remain a prototype, and for the moment, out of reach.

Information

BMW Just Unveiled Its Massive X7 SUV

Seven seats has long been the promised land for the SUV-makers of the world. It’s no secret that people love these supersized people-haulers and despite what looked like a turn towards smaller footprints during the recession, the land barge is enjoying a return to its former glory ten years later.

BMW never shied away from the SUV game, but they are one of the last automakers to stake their claim to the Expedition-sized SUV segment. And so, in true Teutonic fashion, the X7 SUV might be showing up late to the party but it’s bringing the goods. This is a full-fat SUV and remarkably, also very much a BMW.

Cadillac, er, BMW Grills

Ludacris might have been proud to sing about his Caddy back in the day but one look at the X7 makes you think he’s probably changing brands. The X7’s mouthpiece is broad and confident, and it works quite well with the muscular styling of the X7 as a whole.

Understandably it looks like an uber-sized X5, and the new X5 is as handsome an SUV as you’ll find out these days. It’s still big, but not brutish. And the refinement continues inside.

Seven-Worthy Interior

Remember that as BMWs go, the 7 has long been the top-of-the-totem-poll luxury cruiser. Yes, there’s a new 8-series 2-door but that’s a halo car. The X7 spares no expense ensuring that families who drop the $75k price of entry are treated to the cushy experience they expect when they climb inside.

Second-row passengers can enjoy optional reclining bucket seats and even row three offers enough legroom for all but the tallest adults. Everything is trimmed in supple hides that look absolutely first-class with the quilted stitching option BMW’s test vehicles flaunt.

Want to take in the view? There’s a panoramic moonroof and of course an available 1500W Bowers & Wilkins stereo to provide all the mood music you’d ever need.

Does the Job in Style

Don’t let the fancy trimmings fool you though, the X7 is a capable ultimate people-hauling machine. In base trim, it sports a powerful twin-turbocharged six-cylinder and the upgraded 5.0i version receives a boosted V8 producing 559 horsepower and 479 ft.-lbs. of boat-pulling torque.

BMW expects about 70 percent of buyers to take the six-pot mill, while about 30 percent will upgrade to the six-figure 5.0i model. Self-leveling air-ride suspension is standard and the upgraded dynamic handling package will make you outright surprised you’re driving a 17-foot long SUV.

Both variants of the X7 receive BMW’s Xdrive all-wheel-drive system and for those looking to break some new trail in style and comfort, there’s an optional locking rear differential.

A state-of-the-art heads-up display takes full advantage of the X7s expansive windshield projecting your GPS navigation while you drive, and by folding down both rows of seats, you can expand the 362-liters of rear compartment space to a cavernous 2120. While it might be a boastful thoroughbred, the X7 still has all the necessary accouterments to be a true workhorse.

Late to the Game, but Not out of It

The competition from Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, and Cadillac is well-established in this field.

Even volume automakers are well acquainted with the seven-seater segment at this point, but BMW has the advantage of bringing something fresh to the market. They offer some excitement to buyers who would otherwise feel compromised by the softer Mercedes or less powerful Audi, not to mention the willing but decidedly less refined Cadillac and Lincoln offerings.

Perhaps BMW have stolen a page from Apple’s book here. You don’t have to be the first to market with a good idea, you just have to execute it well.

Press Release

The First-Ever 2019 BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle

Today, BMW launches the first-ever BMW X7, the pinnacle of BMW’s X Sport Activity Vehicle lineup. The BMW X7 builds on the class-leading comfort, handling, safety and technology of all the previous BMW X Sport Activity Vehicle model lines that have been produced at Plant Spartanburg since 1999.

The 2019 BMW X7 offers standard three-row seating for 7 with optional Second-row Captain’s Chairs offering a more exclusive seating arrangement for 6. Standard two-axle air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels and advanced driver assistance systems ensure that the new BMW X7 lives up to expectations of style, driver engagement, passenger comfort and all-weather and all-terrain capability.

The expansive exterior dimensions of the BMW X7 take luxury to a new level. At 203.3 inches in length, 78.7 inches wide and 71.1 inches tall, and with a wheelbase of 122.2 inches, the X7 displays harmonious proportions and establishes itself as the new head of the BMW X model family. A new use of forms, dominated by clearly structured surfaces and precise lines, lends the BMW X7 its modern aura. The largest kidney grill ever designed for a BMW model features very prominently at the front of the new BMW X7. Together with the slim twin headlights extending up to the grill, it emphasizes the width of the car and creates a presence. When viewed from the side, the large windows and long, flowing roofline of the new BMW X7 hint at a spacious interior bathed in light. The rear doors are longer than the front doors, emphasizing the spaciousness of the SAV’s rear compartment and easing entry and exit for second and third-row seat occupants. Clearly structured surfaces and the eye-catching character line rising up to the rear are hallmarks of the brand’s new design language. The versatile functionality of the new BMW X7 is highlighted by its 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The new 2019 BMW X7 launches with a choice of two updated gasoline engines. Heading up the range is the BMW X7 xDrive50i, with an extensively updated 4.4-liter V8 engine.  A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, found under the hood of the new BMW X7 xDrive40i rounds out the model line-up. All engines channel their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is transferred into secure progress – on or off road.

The eight-cylinder engine in the BMW X7 xDrive50i serves up an intoxicating blend of power delivery and signature V8 soundtrack. The two turbochargers’ positioning in the “V” between the banks of cylinders is just one of the standout features of the 4.4-liter unit. Newly designed heat plates ensure very effective thermal shielding for the crankcase and cylinder head. A new ignition system allows the engine to be restarted even more smoothly and swiftly when the Auto Start Stop function is activated. The new engine’s peak torque of 479 lb-ft is available over a broad rev range from 1,500 to 4,750 rpm, while its maximum output of 456 hp is on tap between 5,250 and 6,000 rpm. This formidable pulling power is available early and doesn’t let up, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.

The power unit fitted in the new BMW X7 xDrive40i boasts the free-revving ability inherent in all inline six-cylinder engines from BMW, plus a wonderfully eager response. The 3.0-liter engine employs a single twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection technology whose maximum pressure of 5,076 psi ensures the fuel is delivered in extremely precise doses. The straight-six generates its maximum output of 335 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, while the peak torque 330 lb-ft is available from 1,500 – 5,200 rpm. The new BMW X7 xDrive40i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Both engine variants of the new BMW X7 are linked to an improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, whose wider ratio spread and new control electronics help to increase the powertrain’s overall efficiency. New torsion dampers reduce rotational forces and converter slip for improved shift comfort.

The list of optional equipment available for the new 2019 BMW X7 is designed to further tailor BMW’s latest premium Sports Activity Vehicle to reflect the personality and requirements of the owner.

  • Remote Engine Start, 22 inch alloy wheels and a factory installed tow hitch, rated for 7,500 lbs. are just some of the notable individual options available for the BMW X7.
  • 5-Zone Automatic Climate Control is available as part of the Cold Weather Package, which also includes Front and Rear Heated Seats and Heated Front Seat Armrests and Steering Wheel.
  • The Premium Package includes Remote Engine Start, Soft-Close automatic doors, rear electric side window shades, Heated and Cooled Cup Holders, Heads-Up Display, Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio (standard on the X7 xDrive50i) and Gesture Control.
  • The Executive Package for the X7 xDrive50i includes the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof. Glass Controls and BMW Laserlight headlights.
  • The Panorama Sky Lounge LED Roof, generates a very special and exclusive aura when darkness falls, with LED light spreading evenly across the glass surfaces to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. The color scheme of this atmospheric light show can be adapted as desired.

Both X7 models come with Adaptive Full LED lights with Automatic High Beams as standard equipment. BMW Laserlights are available on the X7 xDrive50i with the optional Executive Package, which also includes Panoramic Sly Lounge LED Roof and Glass Controls.