BMW’s upcoming flagship X7 SUV spied on test

The BMW X7 has been spotted out in the open yet again. The X7 as we know is the flagship SUV offering, development for which started over three years ago. Interestingly, the vehicle will share a significant chunk of its internals with Rolls Royce’s first ever SUV which is also under development. 

The X7 will ride on the CLAR architecture which made its debut in the latest-gen 7 Series. For the former, the platform will be heavily strengthened to handle the added bulk. Some of the suspension bits will be sourced from the X5 while both rear-wheel drive and xDrive AWD systems are going to be offered. 

In terms of engines, the X7 will get six- and eight-cylinder units as well as a plug-in hybrid derivative. On top of the range there will be a V12-equipped model featuring an upgraded version of the 6-litre unit which currently makes 544bhp and 750Nm of torque. As for the all-important interior comfort, the X7 in all probability will offer the most luxurious cabin ever seen in a BMW. 

The X7 will be assembled at BMW’s Spartanburg factory in South Carolina, US where they plan on investing $1 billion until late 2016 to boost capacity. The X7 is expected to be built at an annual production rate of 45,000 cars.