Few autos in BMW’s trendy historical past characterize such a daring leap because the X7. Earlier than it arrived, BMW’s largest SUV—the X5—may solely faux to supply three-row practicality. However as American consumers demanded extra space, extra consolation, and extra luxurious, the automaker realized there was an actual want for one thing above the BMW X5. The consequence was the BMW X7, a full-size flagship SUV that redefined what a BMW might be. Its creation wasn’t easy, although.
Technically, demand for the BMW X7 existed as early as earlier than 2006. That yr, the E70 BMW X5 launched a 3rd row of seats, however even then product planners knew it wouldn’t be sufficient for these searching for a real three-row SUV. “Albert Biermann [project leader] did an exceptional job, nevertheless it turned apparent {that a} third row within the E70 wasn’t going to work very effectively,” mentioned Wealthy Brekus, then Head of Product Planning and Technique for BMW NA. Whereas newer and measurably bigger—7.4 inches longer, in truth—the third row was hardly accommodating for adults. Brekus: ““It was clear there was a marketplace for an even bigger X5, and we began asking for an X5L, like a $3,000 improve.”
U.S Primarily based For U.S. Demand
The X5L didn’t occur, however Munich apparently was first to pitch the X7. Headquarters favored the thought of a “flagship” above the X5. Plus, the section was rising in reputation, and BMW had no actual entrant. “A shopper who most well-liked European automobiles would by no means contemplate an American automobile if she or he needed a BMW, a Porsche, or a Mercedes. However that isn’t true in the case of SUVs,” says Ludwig Willisch, then CEO of BMW NA. Willisch and the BMW board gave severe consideration to the mannequin round 2011, nevertheless it wasn’t till 2014 that the X7 noticed an actual likelihood at taking place. A $1 billion enlargement underway at Spartanburg—the one BMW facility assembling massive SUVs—made it a logical check mattress for something just like the X7.
The BMW X7 venture, then, began taking form. Kate Alini could now be MINI USA’s Supervisor of Advertising, Product, and Technique, however on the time, she was tasked with navigating BMW’s U.S. highway map on the highest finish—7 and eight Sequence and now, the brand new X7. She had actual trigger to make the X7 nearly as good as potential. As an X5 driver, she shared movies with higher-ups in Munich illustrating how troublesome it might be to get her youngsters from the way in which again out the door.
The BMW X7 Turns into Actuality
Cluster structure (CLAR) modified the sport for BMW. The prevailing X5 chassis was just too small to supply any significant positive factors. CLAR gave BMW the flexibleness required to make an actual BMW X7: one thing considerably and bigger than the X5. An enormous sticking level for BMW was guaranteeing the X7, the most important BMW to this point, nonetheless drove like a BMW. “It was essential that the X7 hold the BMW DNA intact, that it have the sporting driving expertise that’s typical of any BMW,” says Wealthy Steinberg, then Head of Product Planning. Design performed a big position in conserving the BMW X7, effectively, “BMWy.” Large 22-inch wheels—the primary to look on a BMW—each stored the X7 trying sporty and paid dividends within the dealing with division. Exact physique strains, slim headlights, and bigger grilles gave the SUV a proportionate look.
BMW X7: Solely Type of the SUV 7 Sequence You Assume It Is
The X7 lastly debuted in 2017. It shared loads with the 7 Sequence, however there’s one key function that separates the 2 autos. Whereas Munich needed a strong bench seat, Alini pitched captain’s chairs. “I needed to persuade Munich to make them elective,” Alini says. She confirmed them how youngsters usually climbed into the third row—over a bench seat relatively than round. “They climb over the seats, and their sneakers scratch up the headliner.”
Even then although, there have been artistic variations. Apparently, Munich needed a middle console in between the 2 captain’s chairs. Which actually is smart when you method the X7 as “SUV limo” relatively than “kid-hauler.” Alini additionally needed to persuade Munich to “accurately” place the cupholders—sufficient for each passenger. Lastly, Alini insisted the X7 obtained a break up tailgate. For the reason that X7’s cargo bay was nonetheless barely smaller than many opponents, particularly American ones, Alini wanted it to be “simpler and extra accessible.”
Pre-orders for the BMW X7 started in 2018, with order banks opening shortly afterwards. Shockingly, the G07 continues to be in its first technology, albeit a major mid-lifecycle refresh in 2022 makes it simple to neglect that. It’s been one in all BMW’s most universally-lauded autos, and gross sales proceed to be sturdy regardless of the car’s age. We’ve seen the new BMW X7 out and about testing. Will that SUV match the unique’s panache? Solely time will inform.
Supply: BMW USA
