BMW finally confirms the X7 full-size SUV

By Nick Jaynes Published March 31, 2014

BMW confirmed the all-new X7 full-size SUV last week. It went as far as to set a 2016 production date, which will commence in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Based upon an extended version of the X5 platform, the range-topping crossover will compete against cars like the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, the Cadillac Escalade, and the Range Rover.

Recommended Videos

Frankly, I am surprised it took this long to bring the X7 to market. BMW’s chief competitors had been doing quite well with their full-size luxury family haulers. I wonder why it took Bimmer so long to jump on the bandwagon.

We speculated last week that the X7 would be aimed at the up-and-coming markets, like China, India, and Russia. With production slated for South Carolina, though, I wonder if most X7 sales will initially take place Stateside, much like the Alabama-built Mercedes GL.

Another theory we threw around is that the rumored Rolls-Royce SUV would ride on the X7’s platform. While that is still a possibility, I expected the Roller to feature a bit more bespoke chassis than that of a lengthened X5. Likely, few Rolls buyers will know the difference between a distinctive platform and that of a Bimmer-sourced unit. So, why not?

If the X7 looks anything like the Autocar-created rendering above, which is far more masculine and menacing than the GL, it should sell well indeed.

As soon as we learn more of the big-time Bimmer, we’ll be sure to bring it to you, so be sure to check back soon.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Volkswagen is pursuing the elusive entry-level EV with its ID. EVERY1 concept car

Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 concept car

Volkswagen is hoping to bring electric vehicles to the masses with its super affordable new EV concept. The ID. EVERY1 car will launch in Europe for just €20,000 (around $21,500) and could become the go-to entry-level vehicle for customers interested in EVs.

The small four-door hatchback was revealed as a concept car, with the production model set for a launch in 2027. The EVERY1 will join another affordable model, the ID 2all, which will be launched next year for €25,000 ($27,000), and Volkswagen promises there will be up to nine new models revealed by 2027.

Cars

I sat in the Xiaomi SU7, here are 5 features that every car needs

Xiaomi SU7 Max SUV first look

I’ve spent almost two decades reviewing most facets of consumer technology, but I’ve never been a huge car guy. For many years, it represented a way to get from A to B, but electric cars have changed this.

The best electric cars solve many of my biggest complaints with a car, and some of the best cars are being made by brands I would never have expected. I’ve sat in Sony’s upcoming car, the AFEELA, and I love the immersive entertainment experience, but one of my primary concerns is the lack of a killer use case for many of these features.

Audio / Video

Soon you’ll be able to enjoy Dolby Atmos Music in Cadillac EVs

A red Cadillac EV on a dark background with the Dolby and Cadillac emblems underneath.

Dolby Atmos is a pretty remarkable experience when heard within a properly tuned car cabin setup, as implemented by Rivian R1S and the Cadillac Optiq, in particular. Now, Dolby and Cadillac have announced that Atmos will be support across the entire line of Cadillac EVs -- which includes the Escalade IQL, Escalade IQ, Lyriq-V, Optiq (as we heard at CES), and Vistiq. Support will also extend into select 2025 models with an over-the-air update, although which are not a part of this announcement.

As we now seem to be spending more and more time in our cars (according to the Federal Highway Administration, Americans drive a staggering 3 trillion miles a year), having the best possible sound in our cars is even more desirable than in the past. As John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories says, "Whether you are listening to music to pass the time on a long commute or sharing a special moment on a family road trip, music has the power to transform mundane moments into something remarkable." Chief Engineer at Cadillac, John Cockburn adds, "Together, [Cadillac and Dolby] are taking audio to new heights by ensuring the music experience stays true to the artist's original vision, delivering a sound experience that makes consumers feel like they are in the music studio with them."