600-HP BMW X7 M Needs To Become A Reality

We wouldn’t say no to a 600-hp BMW X7.

The BMW X7 was finally revealed last week as the automaker’s largest and most lavish SUV yet. Currently, the most powerful variant uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, enabling the sizeable SUV to hit 0-60 mph in a respectable 5.2 seconds. But is there room for a more potent X7? This render artist certainly thinks so.

X-Tomi has offered a convincing mock-up showing what a BMW X7 M Performance SUV could look like. The BMW X7 already looks imposing thanks to its sheer size, so slapping on some M Performance parts heightens the aggression. Like other BMW M models, the souped-up X7 features larger intakes in the front bumper, wider wheel arches, and a BMW M logo on the gigantic grille.

As far-fetched as it may sound right now, a high-performance BMW X7 M could happen. The automaker admitted that a hardcore X7 M is being considered, but nothing has been confirmed. Still, it gives us hope that this render could become a reality one day.

As for potential powertrains, it would make sense for the X7 M to use the M760Li’s meaty twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 engine. In the M760Li, this unit produces 600 horsepower, which would enable the X7 M to tread on the toes of the Range Rover Sport SVR and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.

This BMW Z4 Wagon Needs To Become A Reality

In fact, we think that every sporty BMW model should be offered in this Shooting Brake body style

BMW recently introduced the latest Z4 and while it is a stunning design we have had to come to terms with the fact that there will be no manual derivative (for now) or a full-fat M version either. Ok, so the US-spec M40i makes 385 horsepower (which is more than the Europeans get) and is as quick as an M2 around the Nurburgring but how hard could it be to offer a hardtop variant as in the original Z3 and Z4 M Coupes?

Those curiously-shaped limited-edition models have now become modern classics and while we have already seen one render of what the new Z4 would look like with a hardtop, visual artist Rain Prisk has released a rendering of what he thinks a shooting-brake style Z4 should look like.

We think it would make for the ideal low-production run Z4. Even without an M model in the range, a Z4 M40i Coupe would be so very cool. Those early Z3s and Z4s could also be had in coupe trim without M engines so the formula definitely works.

The platform-sharing Toyota Supra is already a coupe-only offering so the modifications to the Z4 should require very minimal outlay, although perhaps the need to differentiate these two models from one another is the reason why BMW is reluctant to go this route.

Rain Prisk has turned his hand to converting other BMW models into shooting brake body styles too, most notably the M2 which we think looks pretty cool with its mini wagon rear end.

The BMW i8 on the other hand, should be put into production immediately, its love-it-or-hate-it looks are just what made the original Z3 M Coupe so popular and supercar fans clearly like the idea judging by the popularity of the Ferrari FF and GTC4 Lusso. Come on BMW, make it happen.

The BMW M7 Needs To Become A Reality

Please make it happen, BMW.

We’re still not sure if it will ever happen, but a recent trademark filed by BMW got our hopes up that the automaker is planning to put an M7 into production. The news came as a surprise, since the automaker previously told us there was no need for an M7 when we already have the beastly M760i with 601 horsepower on tap. To whet our appetite, AscarissDesign has produced a render to show what a BMW M7 could look like. It’s based on an old render, with changes including a new M5 bumper, new side vent, and a modified roof.

It's also been given new grille inserts and a slightly modified side mirror. Whether it will ever become a reality is questionable though. The trademark file is by no means confirmation that BMW will build a full fat M version of the 7 Series. After all, an M7 might be hard to justify with the M8 Gran Coupe now confirmed. BMW also already has the M760i to fight the Audi S8 and Mercedes-AMG S63, which can accelerate to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds before topping out at 155 mph. That top speed can also be increased to 186 mph with the limiter lifted. The M760i already offers supercar performance in a luxury sedan, but we know it isn’t reaching its potential.

In the Rolls-Royce Wraith, the same twin-turbo V12 is tuned to produce 625 horsepower, while in the Dawn it has 605 lb-ft of torque compared to the M760i’s 590 lb-ft. Time will ultimately tell if a BMW M7 gets the green light for production, but at least we can now visualize it thanks to this render. Please make it happen, BMW.

The BMX X6 Is The Crossover Nobody Needs But So Many Want

And they'll pay handsomely for one.

You gotta hand it to BMW for being creative with its parts bin. Back in 2009, the first gen X6 launched, starting something that’s been copied by BMW’s competitors as well as more mainstream brands. Based on the same platform as the more conventional X5, the X6 is a luxury crossover with coupe-like styling, a niche segment BMW refers to as Sport Activity Coupe. The X6’s design isn’t for everyone, but know this: the first gen sold more than 250,000 examples worldwide, easily making the case for a successor, which we have for you today.

The 2017 BMW X6 xDrive35i is an all-wheel drive crossover with a hefty price tag and not a whole lot of interior and cargo space. But neither of those factors matter for a lot of buyers. The X6 is also about making a fashion statement, and a powerful one at that.

Under the hood lies a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, with power going to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Zero to 60 mph happens in 5.7 seconds. Our tester was very well equipped, with over $15,000 worth of options including the $1,900 Lighting Package, $3,000 M Sport Package, $1,550 Premium Package and the $1,700 Driver Assistance Plus. Not cheap, but the X6 also has an impressive capability that’ll satisfy many: a 6,000-pound towing capacity. The BMX X6. It’s what you buy when the X5 isn’t stylish enough. Special thanks to Niello BMW-Sacramento for letting us film the car.

The BMW 2 Series Will Lose Its Manual Because R&D Needs Funding

R&D. That directly refers to EV and autonomous tech.

In our review of the BMW 2 Series coupe, we proudly proclaimed that it was one of the best BMWs you can buy today. It evokes what BMW has always done best: small, fairly lightweight, and fun to drives coupes. And one of the key elements that made them so enjoyable was the manual transmission. According to Reuters, however, BMW will be dropping the 2 Series Coupe manual as part of an effort to cut down on costs in order to fund research and development. Currently, a six-speed manual is a no-cost option for buyers.

As you’ve probably already guessed, that R&D is for electric, autonomous and connected cars as well as re-engineering combustion engines to meet future emissions regulations. The report states the 2 Series Coupe manual will be dropped specifically in the US, though it could still be offered in other markets, at least for the time being. Other areas of cost-cutting will include engine variants and even the manual option in entry-level versions of the new 5 Series diesel. Last year, BMW spent 5.5 percent of its total revenue on R&D and, according to BMW finance chief Nicolas Peter, "the next three years will be between 5.5 percent and 6 percent."

The cost-cutting does make sense, especially, as Peter put it, "We have over 100 steering wheels on offer. Do we need that many variants?" Steering wheels we get, but it’s really a shame more US buyers didn’t opt for a manual-equipped 2 Series.