All-New BMW X7 Still Looks Massive In The Metal

BMW’s flagship SUV makes a big statement.

2018 has been the year of the SUV for BMW with practically every X model having been updated, replaced or in the case of the X7, introduced for the first time. With countless spy shots and latterly BMW’s own press images to keep us guessing, we finally got to see the final product revealed online in October. The BMW stand at the L.A. Auto Show gave us another opportunity to have a closer look at the largest production vehicle BMW has ever produced.

The front kidney grilles are still as imposing as ever but there is no doubting that this is the range-topper. There are similarities to the all-new X5 in certain areas but the interior, in particular, is a mixture of top-drawer materials and soft-touch plastics found in any expensive luxury sedan.

The X7 comes fitted with three rows as standard. The second can be configured as either two luxurious captain’s chairs or three smaller seats if you need the additional seating space. For the US market, we will be getting two engine options: the xDrive40i utilizes the company’s familiar inline-six turbocharged 3.0-liter with 335 hp.

In this heavy body, performance is somewhat more subdued than in the smaller X models but there is always the xDrive50i for those desiring a bit more oomph. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 456 hp launches the X7 to 60 mph in 5.2-seconds (0.6-sec quicker than the xDrive40i) and is more than a match for most other full-sized SUVs currently on offer.

Handling too will be far sharper than what you would expect in such a massive vehicle thanks to a complex air-suspension system with an adaptive option that reads the road ahead via built-in cameras and adjusts the settings to ensure a smooth ride.

Introducing a vehicle such as this may have BMW purists shaking their heads but there is no denying that it is a technically advanced machine that is sure to appeal to those wanting the ultimate in space and luxury. Prices start at $73,900 for the xDrive40i and deliveries to customers should begin early in 2019.

New BMW M5 Gets Massive Power Boost Up To 800 HP

The F90 BMW M5 receives supercar levels of power.

With 600 horsepower on tap and a drivetrain that can switch between AWD and RWD on demand, the new BMW M5 F90 is one of the most powerful and mechanically advanced sedans you can buy right now. In fact, it's seemingly even more powerful than BMW claims. But that hasn’t stopped aftermarket tuners from making the super sedan even faster.

German tuner G-Power has just released its new upgrade package for the new M5 that extracts even more power from its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. The Stage 1 upgrade boosts the output by 99 hp and 66 lb-ft, bringing the total to 690 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque.

The tuner’s Performance Software V1 modifies the original engine software, while the Performance Module V1 offers a plug-and-play solution. This already gives the F90 M5 more power than some supercars such as the Ferrari 488 GTB - and this is only the entry-level package.

Using Performance Software V2 and in-house downpipes, Stage 2 increases the output to 739 hp and 679 lb-ft of torque. If that still isn’t enough for you, the company’s Performance Software, which works together with a titanium exhaust system with four 4 inch carbon/titanium tailpipes, raises the output to a whopping 789 hp and 723 lb-ft of torque.

With this upgrade, G-Power says the M5 F90 will accelerate to 62 mph from a standstill in 2.9 seconds and top out at over 208 mph. In stock form, the new M5 needs 3.4 seconds to do the 0-62 mph sprint, while the top speed sits at 190 mph when equipped with the optional M Driver’s Package.

Other enhancements include a Venturi RR hood made entirely out of carbon fiber that gives the car a more aggressive look while improving the engine cooling. The wheels have also been upgraded with a set of 21-inch rims with a stylish double-spoke design.

BMW Driver Dons Massive Grin While Testing The M Sport 6 Series GT

It may not be as fast as the Porsche Panamera, but that grin tells us it might be more fun.

The letters “GT” have very different meanings depending on which brand’s roof you happen to find yourself under. For example, Ford bestows the moniker to its Coyote V8-powered Mustangs and its range-topping supercar, but over at BMW, the letters seem to designate its ugliest of cars. Gran Coupe is what you want from the Blue and White Roundel if looks are your thing, and that was best embodied in the 6 Series GC. Now, as we are disheartened to announce, BMW has spread the GT disease up from the 5 Series to the 6 Series.

The automaker did this in hopes that latching the cargo-carrying rear end onto a sleeker body would make the GT more attractive. Our spy photographers managed to catch the test mule drifting around in the snow and snapped a few pictures to let you be the judge of that. Ugly or not, the massive grin plastered on the face of this BMW test driver goes to show that the 6 Series GT inherited plenty of BMW’s sporting DNA. The particular model we caught here is festooned with BMW’s M Sport package, a halfway between the lesser utility-oriented models and a full-blown M track car. Unfortunately, the M Sport package is as high into the M range that the 6 Series GT will go.

This is wise on BMW’s part given that most enthusiasts who would opt for an M model also want a side serving of good-looks. That’s not to say that BMW didn’t try to make the 6 Series GT more attractive, especially given that it added larger air intakes and an M Sport front bumper. But in our eyes, the rear end still has that abrupt drop off that makes it look like BMW put too much of the X lineup’s looks into the 6er. The improvements in design are marginal and don’t make for a night and day difference such as the one we saw in the second generation Porsche Panamera. For BMW loyalists wanting a Porsche sedan alternative, you’ll need to opt for the 650 GT xDrive with the M Sport package if you can stand to look at it.

First-Ever BMW X7 Revealed In All Of Its Massive Glory

BMW's flagship SUV has finally arrived.

BMW has come a long way from its first SUV, the X5, introduced back in 1999. Today, the German automaker has unveiled its flagship model and the first-ever X7 taking its SUV lineup to seven models.

BMW has been teasing the X7 for a while now and we've spotted test mules with very little camouflage. Now the X7 is making its official debut as a 2019 model, acting as the most expensive SUV in the BMW lineup. Like the X3, X4, X5, and X6, the X7 will be built in BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.

Right off the bat, the X7 looks similar to the smaller X5, which we reviewed earlier this year. BMW has given the X7 some distinctive styling cues to set it apart from its other SUVs, mainly using larger and more prominent design elements. In fact it looks like the X7 will take everything we loved about the X5 and serve it in a larger and more opulent package.

The kidney grille, for example, is the largest ever fitted to a BMW. Some people will like the large grille design, while others will suffer from terrifying Lexus nightmares. The X7 is certainly different from its X5 sibling, but the family resemblance is strong.

While it's easy to tell that the X7 is more spacious than the X5, the layouts are similar. In the first row, the two SUVs look very similar, which is a very good thing. The center console looks almost identical to the X5 and can be optioned with the glass shifter and iDrive controller, which was among our favorite features on the X5.

In the second row, the X7 features available captain's chairs with full-size seats, though a traditional bench is available if you'd rather have the middle seat. In either configuration, the second row can slide forward and backwards and can be folded electronically. All X7 models will be fitted with a third row, offering seating for up to seven people.

Storage space is 48.6 cubic feet with all seats up or 90.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The interior looks even airier thanks to a large panoramic Sky Lounge roof with an additional piece of glass over the third row.

Like the X5, the X7 will be available with two engines options. The xDrive40i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque going out to standard all-wheel-drive through an eight-speed automatic. 0-60 mph takes a modest 5.8 seconds. If you want more power, BMW will also sell the X7 in xDrive50i trim with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, good for a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.

The xDrive40i starts at $73,900 while the xDrive50i starts at $92,600. This puts the X7 in line with full-size SUV options like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

The X7 is underpinned by double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear suspension with two-axel air suspension. The adaptive suspension can work in tandem with camera sensors to make adjustments based on changing road conditions and self-level automatically.

It may be expensive, but the X7 looks like it will be worth its asking price if you're in the market for an ultra-luxurious seven-seater. Buyers will be able to choose from six colors at launch including Alpine White, Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Arctic Grey, and Vermont Bronze. Six more colors, including BMW Individual options, will be available in April 2019. These include Jet Black, Dark Graphite, Phytonic Blue, BMW Individual Ruby Black, BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue, BMW Individual Pyrite Brown, and BMW Individual Ametrin Red. Inside, these colors can be paired to Black SensaTec or a choice of nine Vernasca and Extended Merino Leathers.

Standard safety equipment includes extended traffic jam assist and lane keep assist, which uses a camera to monitor if the driver is paying attention and allows them to take their hands off the wheel at speeds up to 37 mph. On top of the standard equipment, the X7 will also offer options including remote engine start, 22-inch wheels, a tow hitch (rated at 7,500 lbs), five-zone automatic climate control, soft close doors, heated and cooled cupholders, and adaptive cruise control.

For the first time ever, buyers will be able to pre-order the X7 online starting in October, with the opulent SUV set to arrive in March 2019.

2019 BMW 7 Series Facelift Shows Off Massive Grille At The Nurburgring

Our spies caught the upcoming BMW 7 Series facelift flexing its muscles at the 'Ring.

Despite only being introduced in 2015, the current-generation BMW 7 Series will soon be getting a facelift. Our spy photographers have spotted the large luxury sedan getting a thorough workout around the Nurburgring, where we get a clear view of its revised grille with massive vertical slats carried over from its bigger brother, the X7 SUV. Revised headlights and a new front bumper complement the larger twin-kidney grille, giving the sedan a sportier look.

At the back, the taillights have also been restyled, but the changes are subtler than the new sleek headlights. Overall, the styling closely mirrors the X7, which is getting closer to production to rival the Range Rover.

We don’t get any close-ups of the cabin, but the black pieces of cloth imply there will be some significant changes inside. Previous spy shots have shown the updated 7 Series will feature a fully digital instrument cluster and the latest version of BMW’s infotainment system. BMW’s fancy new cabin tech was previewed a few months ago and will debut in the new 8 Series, which recently started production. The X7 will also come with the same hardware and software.

As for what’s under the hood, the sportier front bumper suggests we’re looking at the potent V12-powered M760. There could even be a full-fat M version for the first time in the model's history, as BMW recently filed a trademark for the M7. We’re not holding our breath though, as BMW could simply be protecting the nameplate. Rumors suggest the 2019 7 Series will start production next March, so we should see it break cover either towards the end of this year or early next year.

2019 BMW 7 Series Facelift Shows Off Massive Grille At The Nurburgring

Our spies caught the upcoming BMW 7 Series facelift flexing its muscles at the 'Ring.

Despite only being introduced in 2015, the current-generation BMW 7 Series will soon be getting a facelift. Our spy photographers have spotted the large luxury sedan getting a thorough workout around the Nurburgring, where we get a clear view of its revised grille with massive vertical slats carried over from its bigger brother, the X7 SUV. Revised headlights and a new front bumper complement the larger twin-kidney grille, giving the sedan a sportier look.

At the back, the taillights have also been restyled, but the changes are subtler than the new sleek headlights. Overall, the styling closely mirrors the X7, which is getting closer to production to rival the Range Rover.

We don’t get any close-ups of the cabin, but the black pieces of cloth imply there will be some significant changes inside. Previous spy shots have shown the updated 7 Series will feature a fully digital instrument cluster and the latest version of BMW’s infotainment system. BMW’s fancy new cabin tech was previewed a few months ago and will debut in the new 8 Series, which recently started production. The X7 will also come with the same hardware and software.

As for what’s under the hood, the sportier front bumper suggests we’re looking at the potent V12-powered M760. There could even be a full-fat M version for the first time in the model's history, as BMW recently filed a trademark for the M7. We’re not holding our breath though, as BMW could simply be protecting the nameplate. Rumors suggest the 2019 7 Series will start production next March, so we should see it break cover either towards the end of this year or early next year.

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