x7

Tom

Tom

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BMW X3, X5, and X7
Meet the ultimate off-roading machines


Motor Trend, May 2001
Free from its former Land Rover constraints, BMW is preparing a massive assault on the 4x4 market with a full portfolio of ultimate off-roading machines.

A new performance edition 2002 X5 HP, an X5 that pushes power up from 282 horsepower to an M-worthy 347 horses is close to market. To achieve these impressive gains, an exclusive 4.6-liter version of the V-8 engine has been prepared. With a five-speed Steptronic transmission, the 354 lb-ft of torque can be harnessed in automatic mode or shifted manually. The exterior will sport distinct, body-color trim and the barrel-sized wheels will wear 20-inch tires when the X5 HP goes on sale in fall 2001.

Looking further down the Bavarian pipeline, two all-new models will flank the successful X5 Series at opposite ends of the BMW spectrum. First off the drawing board will be an X3 sport/utility vehicle in 2004, followed a year later by a luxurious X7. Product planners reportedly submitted two different design proposals for the small 'ute, including a "softroader" based on a modified 330xi wagon, similar in concept to a Subaru Legacy Outback and Volvo V70 Cross Country. BMW is also considering a vehicle more in the Land Rover Freelander vein. This concept utilizes fewer 3 Series components, as it emphasizes adventure with a dramatic exterior and off-road components, such as heavy-duty suspension and a low-range transfer case.

In either guise, the X3 will likely be offered with a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines, just as with the sedan, according to BMW insiders. Full-time four-wheel drive, featuring the sophisticated electronic systems ASC+T and DSC 3 to optimize its off-road ability, will be standard, together with independent suspension for accomplished on-road dynamics.

Currently, the projects are at an early stage, with design proposals being submitted by BMW's Design Works center in California and the Munich HQ styling studio. A well-placed BMW source has indicated that the more traditional, X5-like approach is the leading concept for production.

For both the X3 and X7, the company will modify the X5's sophisticated platform to suit. (BMW will not utilize the Land Rover ladder frame as some rumors have asserted.) Based on inside information, our computer-enhanced picture and illustrations show the likely look of the X3 and X7. Naturally, both will feature unique bodywork and interiors compared with their sedan counterparts.

The X7 will reportedly feature technology from the next-generation Range Rover, which BMW is obligated to complete as part of the agreement with Ford. Compared to the Range Rover, however, the X7 will favor on-road driving rather than mountain climbing, although adjustable air suspension should see it deliver the most adept off-road performance of all the X vehicles. Both V-8 and V-12 gasoline engines, plus the new V-8 super-diesel, will be offered.

For the American market, where upscale trucks are in demand, BMW is also developing an X5 pickup derivative with an extended cabin for four to five passengers. The short bed layout will necessitate an increase in wheelbase and overall length compared to its siblings. Rumored development of a stretched X5 dovetails nicely with this project.

Although best known for its driver-oriented cars, BMW will soon unleash a complete X assault that promises to push design, technology, and function boundaries.

April 2001
 
M

Marcus

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The X7 is/was an ultra luxury SUV, it is/was going to be as luxurious and as spacious as the 7
however I have a feeling the idea was 'canned' (hence the 'is/was)[wave]
 
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