BMW 8 Series and X7 prototypes spotted in Colorado
July 15, 2017
BMW engineers have headed up in the Colorado mountains for the annual high altitude testing, this time with the BMW Concept 8 Series Coupe and the X7 SUV. Both cars will be sitting at the top of their range, with the 8 Series being the new flagship of the non-SUV lineup. Packing three full rows, the BMW X7 will also be the brand’s first true seven-seater. It will also have comparable luxury to the Range Rover and will even have trim levels that challenge the ‘Rover’s Autobiography line.
The seven-seat X7 is being developed with the US and Chinese markets in mind and it’s rumored to offer enhanced luxury features and a series of autonomous driving functions.
BMW is likely to offer the X7 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, alongside conventional engines. Sources have previously speculated that it will feature a selection of six and eight-cylinder engines, such as the 3.0-liter diesel in 30d, 40d and 50d guises and the twin-turbo 4.4-liter petrol V8 from the X6 xDrive50i.
A plug-in hybrid variant could be similar to the drivetrain used in the 740e, which packs a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder, 16-valve 255-hp engine, combined a twin-scroll turbocharger with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic), high-precision direct injection and eDrive 111-hp electric motor. Total power output of 322 hp.
The new 8 Series will also debut next year, just a year after its introduction – in concept form – at the Villa d’Este Concourse d’Elegance. Though we’re sad over BMW changing the 6 Series from a Coupe to a Gran Turismo, the 8 Series Coupe looks like it will easily make up for it. Its looks are seductive, it will pack some very interesting engines and it will be in a higher class and segment than the 6 Series. So it will be more luxurious as well as more exciting.
Powertrain options remain unknown at this point, but the coupe could borrow engines from the 7 Series, including a 3.0-liter turbo-six, a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, and even a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V-12. The M8 was already previewed by BMW.
Both cars will be available to the public at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show.
[Photos: Alan A.]
