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Introduction to the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance
The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance, unveiled at the IAA Cars 2017 show in Frankfurt, represents a new model concept for the luxury segment and introduces a fresh take on luxury for the BMW brand. This concept vehicle embodies a striking exterior design composed of focused lines and a generously sized, six-person interior that emphasizes elementary forms, high-class materials, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. The “iPerformance” badge indicates that the concept features BMW eDrive technology combined with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, creating an efficient and dynamic plug-in hybrid powertrain capable of zero local emissions.
Design and Aesthetics
The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance showcases a new design language for BMW, characterized by a small number of precise lines and artfully sculpted surfaces. The vehicle’s imposing dimensions and skilfully judged proportions give it a sense of presence and a modern aesthetic fused with innate dynamism. Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, explains that the new BMW design language employs a few, extremely precise lines and subtle surface work to raise the bar in terms of presence and prestige.
Exterior Design
The front end of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance is one of its most eye-catching angles. The large, vertical kidney grille is a central feature, with a solid design that appears hewn from a single piece. The grille frame and bars exhibit a contrast between gleaming edges and matt surfaces, adding vibrancy and class to the frontal impression. The slim, elongated twin headlights with BMW laser light connect to the large kidney grille, with a blue “X” signature indicating its membership in the BMW SAV family. The headlights and kidney grille create a contrast of horizontal dynamism and vertical solidity, bringing traditional BMW front-end design cues into the future.
From the side, the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance cuts a sumptuous figure with characteristic ground clearance of X vehicles. The nearly vertical front end, striking and almost vertical rear, and steeply rising angle from the rear wheels to the tailgate give the muscular proportions a modern flourish. The high-set lines of the flanks bring expressive confidence to the car’s silhouette. The long shoulder line stretches the car and injects an athletic tension to the flanks. For the first time in an X vehicle, the wheel arches feature a circular cut, emphasizing the exclusivity and elegance of the flanks.
The rear of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance sends out a statement of powerful authority and exclusive elegance. The slim rear lights break up the body volumes, and a classy chrome bar connects the two lighting elements. The boldly designed lights create a three-dimensional L shape and bring a technical, high-quality flavor to the rear. The absence of tailpipe embellishers in the rear apron is an indicator of the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid drive concept.
Interior Design
Inside the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance, clear forms, warm colors, and select materials combine to create a highly exclusive, sophisticated ambiance. The large panoramic roof provides a remarkable amount of room above the occupants’ heads while also giving the interior a light and airy, open-to-the-sky feel. The six amply proportioned seats are arranged in three rows, with four of them having an exclusive individual design. The dark, olive-bronze leather with discreet gold pigmentation covers the seat bolsters, while Smoke White leather adorns the remainder of the seats, providing an intriguing contrast.
The driver focus familiar to BMW customers is maintained in the interior design. The instrument panel, center console, and doors “wrap around” the driver. The raised seating position provides unbeatable all-round visibility and an exceptional view over the road. The new BMW design language features amply-sized surfaces and clear edges, giving the instrument panel a “reduced to the essentials” modern aesthetic. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen and central touchscreen information display are sited close together, creating the effect of one unbroken and smartly sophisticated display.
Personalized Infotainment and Connectivity
The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance showcases the BMW Group’s vision of seamlessly integrating the customer’s digital world into the car via BMW Connected. Second-row passengers enjoy personalized infotainment comfort courtesy of the rear-seat entertainment system’s touchscreen monitors. Passengers have access to highly personalized digital services such as their choice of infotainment/office content, which can make their journey more comfortable, entertaining, or productive. Content can be shared with others on board, such as sending a track to the car’s music system by touch gesture, forwarding an interesting article to the next-door display, or transferring an address from their email directly to the car’s navigation system.
Powertrain and Efficiency
The iPerformance badge on the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance denotes the presence of groundbreaking BMW eDrive technology allied with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine. This combination creates an exceptionally efficient and dynamic plug-in hybrid powertrain that excels in all driving situations, including running with zero local emissions. The plug-in hybrid drive concept is also reflected in the car’s design, such as the absence of tailpipe embellishers in the rear apron.
BMW’s Strategy and Future Plans
Ian Robertson, Member of the BMW AG Management Board responsible for Sales and Brand BMW, explains that the BMW X7 continues the tradition of breaking new ground in the Sports Activity Vehicle segment. The BMW X7 is part of the largest model offensive in the company’s history and aims to increase sales and revenues in the luxury class. The BMW X7 is set to make its debut in 2018 and will be the largest and most luxurious SUV in the BMW lineup, similar to how the 7 Series is the top model in the sedan family.
Conclusion
The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance is a bold statement of BMW’s vision for the future of luxury SUVs. It combines a striking exterior design with a spacious, high-class interior and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. The plug-in hybrid powertrain underscores BMW’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability. As part of BMW’s strategy to expand its presence in the luxury class, the BMW X7 is poised to redefine luxury for the BMW brand and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance introduces a new model concept for the luxury segment with a fresh take on luxury for the BMW brand.
- It features a striking exterior design composed of focused lines and a generously sized, six-person interior with high-class materials and a state-of-the-art infotainment system.
- The “iPerformance” badge indicates a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining BMW eDrive technology with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine.
- The vehicle’s design emphasizes a modern aesthetic with a small number of precise lines and artfully sculpted surfaces.
- Personalized infotainment and connectivity are key features, allowing seamless integration of the customer’s digital world into the car.
- The BMW X7 is part of BMW’s strategy to increase its presence in the luxury class and is set to make its debut in 2018.
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