In 2016 and then later in mid-2018, we reported that BMW is considering an X7 M model to complement the upcoming X7 lineup. Now we learned that those plans might have been scrapped in Garching, at least for now. A potential market for the X7 M is seen as too small for now, but with the general SUV craze things might change in the future.
For now, the top model of the X7 family is the xDrive50i, which will be replaced next year by the M50i model. All models using the older version of the N63 V8 4.4 liter will be dropped and replaced with more powerful ones dubbed M50i. This will apply for all big SUVs, from the X5 to the X6 and X7 and all of them will come with the same 530 HP, 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) engine from the M850i.
At the launch of the X7 though, customers in the US will get a V8 in the shape of the xDrive50i, at least for the first model year.
An X7 M model would have used the same engine as the upcoming X5 M and X6 M SUVs, same as the M8. That engine offers a smooth 600 hp and up to 750 Newton meters of torque, which would have been more than enough to move forward the heavy and large luxury SUV.
Kings in the high-performance luxury SUV segment are now the Range Rover Sport SVR and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63, so it’s likely that BMW bosses are monitoring the market and the decision could be reversed in the future.
For now, first deliveries of the BMW X7 have kicked off and the press reviews are just around the corner.
