Rumormill: BMW mulling seven-passenger X7 crossover... again

While it may have seemed unlikely before 1999 when the original X5 was launched, BMW has enjoyed explosive growth in the crossover utility world – so much so that it's expanded its lineup to include the X1, X3 and X6 as well. The X5 and X6 have even spawned M versions, and the X3 is apparently slated to follow suit. But that's hardly the extent of it, as the Bavarian automaker is reportedly developing a larger X7.

According to Automobile, the rumored X7 (codenamed F17) will go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz GL and a possible Audi Q9 – you know, in case the Q7 isn't quite big enough. To differentiate it from the X5, the mooted X7 will reportedly pack a third row of seats for seven-passenger capability.

This isn't the first we've heard of the X7, of course. The program was widely reported as canceled back in 2008 thanks largely to poor economic conditions in markets like the United States. The model had been scheduled for a 2013 introduction. Has a modestly improving economy and America's relentless appetite for crossovers rekindled the project? If Automobile is to be believed, apparently so...

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/b...ossover-again/

 

X1, X3, X5, X6, X7, XXL

Sounds about right

 

Rounds out the product line, not expecting much volume.

 

I thought the X5 already offered a third row?

 

So I guess with the price hike, the X7 will gain 10in or so:
X3 183in
X5 191.1in
Q7 200.3in
GL 200.7in

 

why not just increase the size of the X5. The X5 is a freakn fossil.It needs a total redesign BIG TIME

 

It does but it's a joke. If you're not a small child you would never want to sit back there.

The E70 X5 is only 4 years old and just underwent a major refresh?

The X5 is the perfect size for those that don't need a full third row. BMW suffers by not offering a true full size SUV that competes with the GL/Q7/Escalade. Considering they offer just about any other vehicle it is surprising that this hasn't happend yet.

OT, but I saw my first X1 on the road the other day and couldn't do anything but

 

X1 - maybe. But I saw several new X3s on the road - doesn't look as bad at all...

 

Agreed now that they've changed the X3's into mini X5's. I still don't think they're the best looking SUV's available even though I own one, but the new gen X3 is a huge step up from previous.

 

^^^ I think it was CAR that compared the new X3 to the previous X5 in a short article.

Not sure how the X5 is a fossil, I think its arguably best in class, I'm a huge fan of it. The past gen also was a huge surprise after I drove it.