cars news 10: Upcoming BMW X7 Will Get Super-Fancy, Expensive Variant

A six-figure SUV is a no-brainer for any luxury automaker. Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover, for example, have proven that demand exists for ultra-luxury SUVs and there is much money to be made from selling them. BMW doesn’t yet have a six-figure SUV (the X5 M starts at just under $100,000), but that will change with the coming X7.

According to an Automotive News report, the BMW X7 will offer at least two variants. AN interviewed BMW’s sales chief Ian Robertson, who said an X7 three-row SUV will be the volume model to slot above the X5, but that BMW will also make a super luxury variant commanding a price tag upwards of $100,000. It will only offer seating for four passengers and will be part of the automaker’s lineup of GKL models (abbreviation for the German term “Grand Klasse”).

As previously reported, the new X7 will not be based on the upcoming Rolls-Royce crossover. The Rolls, for example, will employ an aluminum space frame that will not be shared with the X7. And while the Rolls SUV could command around $200,000-300,000, BMW says the uber-luxury X7 would stay below $200,000.

The automaker is aware of and is looking to fill the gap between its range-topping BMW models and Rolls-Royce. BMW has hinted it will expand its GKL offerings, which currently only includes the new 7 Series. The 7 Series tops out at around $126,000, but a rumored 9 Series would offer more luxury at a higher price tag. That said, a high-end SUV appears to be a priority for BMW, especially since Mercedes is expected to launch a Maybach version of its GLS crossover.

At the other end of the spectrum, Robertson says BMW will also launch a compact crossover, but wouldn’t confirm what model it would be. Based on current speculation and spy photos, the next model is likely the X2, a sportier-looking version of the X1 styled in a manner similar to the X6 and X4.

BMW Vision Future Luxury concept pictured above.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)