New rumors about a new BMW large SUV dubbed X7 have surfaced again, with German business newspaper Handelsblatt reporting that the über-crossover will be the next X-series vehicle BMW will bring to market.
The BMW X7 could be built in the United States to support the enlarged capacity of the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. BMW is said to be preparing a large investment in the facility, which will produce 400,000 SUVs a year, 100,000 more than its current annual capacity. The X7 SUV could be based on the next-generation 7-Series.
If the project gets the green light, the X7 SUV would be significantly longer and wider than the X5, featuring three-row seating with comfortable space for all passengers. Despite that, the vehicle should have a similar weight to that of the current X5, or even smaller, thanks to extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber.
Engine options could include petrol turbocharged straight-six and a V8 engines, as well as force-fed six-cylinder diesel. BMW stopped building V8 diesels several years ago.
Interestingly, the BMW X7 could be used as a basis for the rumored Rolls-Royce crossover, as the British luxury brand is considering such a model to rival Bentley’s upcoming SUV.
By Dan Mihalascu
Story References: Car&Driver
Note: BMW X5 pictured
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