Autoblog

BMW mulling seven-passenger X7 crossover... again

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury

2011 BMW X5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While it may have seemed unlikely before 1999 when the original X5 was launched, BMW has enjoyed explosive growth in the crossover utility world - so much so that it's expanded its lineup to include the X1, X3 and X6 as well. The X5 and X6 have even spawned M versions, and the X3 is apparently slated to follow suit. But that's hardly the extent of it, as the Bavarian automaker is reportedly developing a larger X7.

According to Automobile, the rumored X7 (codenamed F17) will go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz GL and a possible Audi Q9 - you know, in case the Q7 isn't quite big enough. To differentiate it from the X5, the mooted X7 will reportedly pack a third row of seats for seven-passenger capability.

This isn't the first we've heard of the X7, of course. The program was widely reported as canceled back in 2008 thanks largely to poor economic conditions in markets like the United States. The model had been scheduled for a 2013 introduction. Has a modestly improving economy and America's relentless appetite for crossovers rekindled the project? If Automobile is to be believed, apparently so...

BMW mulling seven-passenger X7 crossover... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW reconsidering larger SUV for U.S. market?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, BMW, Rumormill

Judging from the whispers making their way around the interwebs, BMW may be interested in rekindling the X7 flame. The company was one of many corporations that took part in a global summit in Seoul to discuss how to rebalance global trade away from a U.S.-dependent market. But while many of the participants are keen to shift their attentions toward economies in China and Germany, BMW seemed to think that the U.S. would be back on its feet and buying sooner rather than later. The automaker even went so far as to say that it hadn't completely nixed the idea of introducing another larger SUV to its North American lineup.

That means that the X7, a massive vehicle killed off in 2008, may not be completely off of the table. Throwing another SUV into the company's portfolio wouldn't seem to be in keeping with BMW's new commitment to building ever more efficient vehicles, though you never know. Just because we like to think that we live in a post-SUV world doesn't mean American buyers don't love their massive machines.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via BMW Blog]

Rumormill: BMW reconsidering larger SUV for U.S. market? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW kills X7 to focus on X1 and MINI SAV

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

Click either image for a high-res gallery

For better or worse, the BMW X1 "concept" and MINI Crossover are destined for production. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer maintains that both models will do well in these economic and fuel-conscious times, but the X7 - originally slated for production in 2013 - has been killed due to the CUV's inability to "generate sufficient growth," according to Automotive News.

The MINI is expected to hit the market in 2010, while the X1 will arrive in the U.S. later that year or in early 2011. While Reithofer admits that the X6 is a niche vehicle, he contends that the X1 has the ability to be a more mainstream player in the market. To which we ask: how? While a biggie MINI may be a contradiction in terms and execution, the crossover at least has some nostalgia and style on its side. On the other hand, the X1 doesn't seem to bring much to the table and risks cannibalizing sales of its slightly large sibling (X3) and even a few 3-series wagon buyers - if it even sells in the first place.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

BMW kills X7 to focus on X1 and MINI SAV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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