BMW unveils Concept X7 iPerformance ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show
New luxury SUV has the Range Rover in its sights
BMW has revealed the Concept X7 iPerformance ahead of its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.
Designed to take on rivals like the Range Rover, the Concept looks ahead to the production model – due to arrive in 2018.
Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president for BMW Group design, said: “The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance has a luxurious and sophisticated feel to it, thanks to its understated use of forms and incredibly precise details.”
Due to sit as the flagship vehicle in BMW’s SUV range, the production model uses the same platform as the 7 Series saloon.
With three rows of seats, the concept comes with space for six – though it’s likely that the production version will be offered as a seven-seater.
Inside, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen and a secondary central touchscreen dominate the cabin, while a new ‘operating concept’ allows the use of both. Backlit crystal glass has been used for the iDrive controller and the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.
Connectivity plays a large part in the concept’s design. Passengers are able to send a song to the car’s system by touch gesture, or instantly transfer information from an email to the vehicle’s satellite navigation.
The exterior features 23-inch alloy wheels, as well as aero trim pieces at the front and rear which work to improve airflow.
The Concept X7 has been released under BMW’s iPerformance moniker, meaning that it utilises a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
