BMW X7 makes show debut at LA

Standard equipment on all models includes four-zone air conditioning, soft-close doors, a three-piece glass sunroof and a park assistant function with a reversing camera.

All three rows of seats have electric adjustment, and buyers can specify a six-seat option in a 2+2+2 configuration that includes individual second-row seats. The second row of seats are said to offer 90mm more leg room and 30mm more head room than the X5.

Luggage capacity varies from 326 litres with all seven seats in place to 740 litres with the two rearmost seats folded into the boot floor. With the second row seats stowed via a standard electric mechanism, the maximum load capacity rises to 2120 litres.

Four X7 models have been confirmed, although just three are destined for the UK. The expected volume-selling models include the X7 xDrive40i, which uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight- six petrol engine with 335bhp and a 0-62mph time of 6.1sec. It manages 32.5mpg combined and emits 198g/km of CO2.

The other predicted bestseller will be the xDrive30d, which uses a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine making 261bhp for a 0-62mph time of 7.0sec. Its CO2 emissions are pegged at 171g/km with 43mpg claimed.

The performance leader of the initial line-up is the X7 M50d. It uses a quad- turbocharged version of BMW’s 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 394bhp and 561lb ft. This is sufficient to propel BMW’s largest and heaviest SUV to date from 0-62mph in a claimed 5.4sec and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. Its combined fuel consumption is 40mpg while CO2 emissions are rated at 185g/km.

All X7 models use an eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system, with the X7 M50d featuring an electronically controlled M Sport differential as part of its standard equipment. Also available is an optional Off-Road Package, which features four surface-specific driving modes.

Despite offering the new X5 with a plug-in hybrid option, BMW has not yet confirmed such a powertrain for the heavier X7 due to concerns about its electric range being below the 50-mile target stipulated by Chinese market regulations. It is understood that plans exist to modify the petrol-electric powertrain used by the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance with newer battery cell technology in order to bring the X7’s electric range closer to 60 miles.