2019 BMW X7 Striptease Continues, Merc’s GLS Might Need To Worry

BMW‘s first ever full-size SUV, the X7, is expected to arrive before the end of the year, when it will compete directly with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Range Rover.

Not only have we seen pre-production units already make their way out of the Spartanburg plant, but BMW themselves decided to release actual images from the assembly line, as if to let us know how close we are to finding out just what the X7 really looks like.

Still, until the official unveiling, all prototypes will likely remain clothed, be it under heavy or light camouflage – much like these two models spotted by our spy photographers while undergoing cold weather tests.

As you can see, the wrap they’re wearing isn’t very thick, which means we can actually see some of its design lines and better gauge its overall proportions. The X7 will have a considerably larger rear pillar than the GLS, which isn’t a bad thing, but it might bother any passengers sitting in the third row hoping to play ‘I Spy’. It should have similar dimensions to the X7 concept at 5,020mm (197.7 in.) long, 2,020mm (79.5 in) wide and 1,800mm (70.9 in.) tall with a 3,010mm (118.5 in.) wheelbase.

Like other prototypes before them, these two are also wearing their production lights (front and rear) and aren’t shy about giving us a better look at their massive grilles.

According to reports, the BMW X7 will be quite a luxurious product, boasting ambient lighting, concierge services, rear-seat entertainment, massage seats, soft close automatic doors, remote engine start and even night vision with object recognition.

As for the engine range, it will feature multiple six and eight-cylinder engines drinking both gasoline and diesel, with a plug-in hybrid and a range-topping V12 rumored. One of the most highly anticipated specs should be the XDrive50i, powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 455 HP.

Photo Credits: SB-Medien for CarScoops