BMW X7 2019 spied testing

Following the unveiling of the BMW X7 iPerformance concept at Frankfurt earlier this year, recent spy photos have surfaced of a pre-production X7 development mule undergoing testing in Germany.

Much larger than the current-gen BMW X5, the new SUV flagship is expected to directly compete with the luxury-oriented Range Rover, Volvo XC90, and Porsche Cayenne.

The BMW X7 will fall under the ‘Bayerische Motoren Worken’ luxury strategy that is shared by the highly-anticipated 8-series coupe.

The disguise - partially hiding the distinctive BMW kidney grille - hints at a suite of design features such as substantial ducting in the lower sections of the front bumper, slim LED headlights with DRLs, hidden exhaust tips at the rear, and tail-lights similar to the BMW X5.

When contacted by CarsGuide today BMW Australia spokesman, Adam Davis, was unable to provide any details in regards to the new model, but pointed towards the end of the year for commencement of production.

BMW member of the Board of Management, Finance, Dr. Nicolas Peter, has said earlier this year that "The hotly anticipated BMW X7 will go into production at Plant Spartanburg [in South Carolina, United States]. The X7 underlines BMW’s stronger focus on the luxury segment."

It has been reported that a production-ready X7 will debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.

What features would you like the BMW X7 to have? Tell us in the comments.