cars news 10: Spied! BMW X7 Prototype Takes on Winter in Sweden

BMW will finally add a three-row SUV option to its lineup when it debuts the new X7 in 2018, and our spy shooter has captured a prototype of that large utility vehicle well ahead of its debut undergoing winter testing in Sweden.

As you’d expect, this X7 mule is quite large, with a footprint significantly larger than that of BMW’s current biggest SUV, the X5. The model will go up against other luxury three-row vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover, so size is important. We can’t make out too many exterior details through the X7 prototype’s heavy camo, but the dual kidney grilles are large and in charge, and could taper up instead of down like those on the X2 concept.

The X7 will ride on the new CLAR platform that underpins the 7 Series and 5 Series, as well as the upcoming next-gen X5. Power will come from turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder engines. Both gas and diesel options are expected, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant. As we previously reported, BMW hopes to bridge the gap between the BMW brand and its Rolls-Royce ultra-premium brand, so an X7 trim level costing more than $100,000 is planned.

The X7 will be produced at BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C., plant alongside the X3, X5, and X6. Expect to see the BMW X7 arrive in 2018 as a 2019 model.

Photo source: CarPix