2019 BMW X7 Was Tested To Extremes, Company Says The Model Will Offer “Superior Driving Dynamics”

BMW is putting the finishing touches on the 2019 X7 and the automaker has released a new promotional video of the model undergoing testing in extreme conditions.

Set to be unveiled later this year, the 2019 X7 was subjected to a number of tests during its lengthy development process. As the company noted, the crossover traveled to Arjeplog, Sweden where it was tested in snowy and icy conditions that are common near the Arctic Circle.

Since buyers will come from an assortment of different markets, BMW also took the X7 to Africa where it completed long-distance endurance tests on gravel roads and in the desert. A majority of buyers don’t live in these extreme climates, so engineers also did extensive tests in the “urban jungle.”

These tests focused on the crossover’s capabilities in heavy stop-and-go-traffic and on the highway. Engineers also probed how well the X7 coped with a varying road surfaces and winding country roads.

BMW says the results of these tests prove the X7 has impressive off-road performance and “superior driving dynamics.” BMW didn’t go into specifics, but hinted the model will have an “exceptionally generous interior space” and “exclusive equipment features.” The company added the X7 has a truly “impressive appearance.”

We’re not entirely convinced by the latter statement as patent photos have shown the X7 will have a relatively plain design. However, the production model will closely resemble the X7 iPerformance concept and feature chromed lower accents that mimic the 7-Series.

Since the model will be heavily based on the 2019 X5, we can expect engine options to be shared between the models. This suggests the crossover will be offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) as well as a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 developing 456 hp (350 kW / 462 PS). There have also been rumors about a high-performance variant with the M850i’s V8 engine that develops 522 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque.

The crossover could also be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain as well as two diesel engines. The base diesel is expected to be a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and 457 lb-ft (620 Nm) of torque. There could also be a quad-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder developing 394 hp (294 kW / 400 PS) and 560 lb-ft (760 Nm) of torque.

BMW says the X7 will be unveiled at the end of 2018 and this suggests the crossover will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.