BMW X7 SUV and i8 roadster to be launched in 2018

BMW has confirmed that it will launch the X7 SUV and an open top version of the i8 coupe in 2018. This was announced by Harald Kruger, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG at their 96thAGM held in Munich today.  The automaker has also said it will soon reveal a new top-of-the-line luxury model as part of the expanded range.

The i8 roadster was showcased as a concept car at the 2016 consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas at the start of this year. As the name suggests, it is a convertible version of the i8 coupe that has been on sale since 2013. It is expected to get an upgraded drivetrain setup as well as a larger power unit and consequently a bigger pure electric range.

The X7 will be the Bavarian automaker’s new top of the line SUV and will slot in above the X6 sport coupe. A full-size luxury SUV, it will mimic the 7 Series much like the way the Mercedes-Benz GLS is meant to emulate the S-Class but with an SUV body style. It will be offered with a variety of petrol and diesel engines and should ideally come with the same feature list as the new 7 Series. Expect the concept car to be showcased next year.

In the Indian context, both these vehicles will come here, albeit for very different reasons . The X7, because Indians love large SUVs and the i8 roadster for eye candy quotient; basically a showcase of what BMW is really capable of making.