A Prelude to a New Market

BMW entered the SUV (called Sports Activity Vehicle, or SAV, by BMW) market in 1999 with the launch of theX5" and has since expanded its model lineup with more compact vehicles like theX3", andX1", as well as derivative models likeX6", andX4". Now, the company has announced a concept car that previews the arrival of the "X7", its top-tier luxury SUV.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the "Concept X7 iPerformance" features a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine with an electric motor. The exterior is characterized by a massive kidney grille and sharp headlights incorporating blue LED "X" logos.

True to its role as the flagship of the X model line, the interior is unified in a clean yet luxurious design. It features three rows of seats for a total of six occupants. A large glass roof covers most of the interior, offering the second-row passengers a view comparable to that of the front seats.

In the large SUV market, where brands like Mercedes-Benz'sGLS, Audi'sQ7, Bentley'sBentayga, and Volvo'sXC90are seeing continuous new model introductions, BMW's "X7" is set to join the fray in 2018.