2005 BMW X7 Test Drive?

yosappy

I want to Test Drive the upcoming 2005 BMW X7. Does anyone know of a dealer in Southern California who has one; or, who will be the first dealer in Southern California to get one that I can test drive? This looks like a real nice machine that I can maybe, finally replace my frumpy minivan with.

I will be comparing it with the up and coming 2005 Audi Pikes Peak Quattro (A7) and Cadillac Escalade ESV. Any comments on any of these would be welcome.

Thank You!

merc1

I think you're getting way ahead here. BMW has only hinted at a X7 yet, and if they still plan this model it surely won't be here as an 05' model. BMW has got to get the new 5, 6, X3 and facelifted X5 out the gates first.

M

yosappy

I'm not way ahead here! I want to spark up this model so they DO PRODUCE IT! I am seriously interested in it for 2005.

Here's what is on the Motor Trend 2005 Future Vehicle Forecast web site (http://www.motortrend.com/future/spied/112_2005fvf/):

2005 BMW X7: Ultra-luxury SUV in spirit of the X5, the X7 draws features and powertrains from its 7 Series mates. Expansion at Spartanburg may permit assembly of this full-size SUV, which is still under review

merc1

Until BMW debuts a concept vehicle of some type (as they did with the 6-Series and X3), MT's information is pure speculation at best. Trust me a "X7" (if they even decide to build it) is at least 3 years off. It certainly won't be here next year as an 05' model. The next BMW to make it's rounds on the autoshow circuit is the 1-Series.

M

yosappy

Yo; merc1, why should I trust you over Motor Trend? Do you work at BMW and have OTHER information on this model? Your really bursting my bubble here. I CAN'T WAIT FOR 3 YEARS! This Oldsmobile Silloutte minivan of mine is dieing as we speak and the X5 is too small for me and my family and we absolutely love our 2002 BMW 545i. I also note that there is FOR SURE a 2004 Infiniti QX56 coming out next Spring. If the Audi A7 and Caddy Escalade ESV can't hack my high standards, maybe I'll go with the Infiniti. Any new info. on that one?

merc1

I'm not trying to be a bubble burster, but I'd hate for you to think that you'll get to test drive a X7 next year. Let me explain. BMW like most other carmakers nowadays almost always display some type of concept vehicle to gauge public reaction and to give an idea as to what the future production vehicle would look like. BMW examples: The 2003 Detroit autoshow saw a concept called the X Activity Vehicle (?), which was a dead ringer for the new X3 which doesn't get here until next spring, in other words more than a year after the concept debuted. The Z9 Concept preceeded the Z4 by more than a year and an even longer period for the new 6-Series. For there to be a BMW X7 next year, they would have debut the concept at either Detroit (Jan 04') or Geneva (March 04'), then actually release it shorty there after. Going by BMW's past tactics, I'd say (if they are going to do a X7) they will debut the concept at the end of next year (like the Paris autoshow) with the production version going on sale sometime in 2005, with the US market being later on in the year. Now if they show a X7 concept of some kind at Detroit or Geneva, or New York next year, then you'll know you're about a year away from the production version. Either way I doubt you'll be able to drive a X7 next year, maybe spring 2005.

The Infiniti QX56 is a no-brainer, as Nissan almost always does a lux version of relative Nissan models. There have even been whole spy shots of this truck already. You can look for the new Infiniti truck at the Detroit show in Jan, or NY show in April. Bank on that one.

M

bmwseller

I am with BMW and I can tell you for sure that there will be no such model for 2005. I'm just a dealer but I know what there typical new model launch procedure is and there isn't one. Too bad, that makes a lot of people end up having to settle for less than what the bimmer would be. I think that we could sell the crap out of them. I know a lot of clients that would love to have a 'bimmer with a 3rd rear seat but I have my doubts about whether the vehicle will ever be more than an idea.

yosappy

Congratulations! You guys have just won the Biggest BMW Bubble Burstin' contest, I think. I guess I'll just have to settle for an Infiniti QX56 or the up and coming Audi Pikes Peak Quattro (A7).

No, no, no. I can't let you convince me yet..........read Motor Trend's latest..........a 2005 X7...........

Looking further down the Bavarian pipeline, two all-new models will flank the successful X5 Series at opposite ends of the BMW spectrum. First off the drawing board will be an X3 sport/utility vehicle in 2004, followed a year later by a luxurious X7. Product planners reportedly submitted two different design proposals for the small 'ute, including a "softroader" based on a modified 330xi wagon, similar in concept to a Subaru Legacy Outback and Volvo V70 Cross Country. BMW is also considering a vehicle more in the Land Rover Freelander vein. This concept utilizes fewer 3 Series components, as it emphasizes adventure with a dramatic exterior and off-road components, such as heavy-duty suspension and a low-range transfer case.

For both the X3 and X7, the company will modify the X5's sophisticated platform to suit. (BMW will not utilize the Land Rover ladder frame as some rumors have asserted.) Based on inside information, our computer-enhanced picture and illustrations show the likely look of the X3 and X7. Naturally, both will feature unique bodywork and interiors compared with their sedan counterparts.

The X7 will reportedly feature technology from the next-generation Range Rover, which BMW is obligated to complete as part of the agreement with Ford. Compared to the Range Rover, however, the X7 will favor on-road driving rather than mountain climbing, although adjustable air suspension should see it deliver the most adept off-road performance of all the X vehicles. Both V-8 and V-12 gasoline engines, plus the new V-8 super-diesel, will be offered.

Yep, there you have it. The Range Rover IS the X7 Concept Vehicle..........now stop with the pins already!