The BMW X7 Was Designed Specifically for U.S. Market
Everything is bigger in America, including German crossovers.
With three rows of seats, nearly as much cargo volume as an over-the-road truck and a curb weight exceeding two-and-a-half tons, the 2019 BMW X7 isn’t just this automaker’s largest vehicle, it’s a way for them to cater specifically to American motorists, who traditionally want more of everything.
Ralph Mahler, the man in charge of BMW’s U.S. product planning and strategy said, “This car is designed for the U.S. market and you can see that in terms of size, you can see it also in terms of seating configuration.” Like models from rival automakers, the X7 can accommodate up to seven people, though second-row captain’s chairs are also offered in lieu of a traditional bench seat, which reduces the headcount to a still-commodious six.
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“And also, what makes us really proud is, besides the size of this car, and it’s the biggest we have basically in terms of volume, it still drives like a BMW,” noted Mahler. “Now, I can only tell you because you are not able to drive it… [but] you don’t feel the weight of the car, it is a true BMW as a luxury SAV (sports-activity vehicle).” We certainly look forward to testing this new crossover and finding out whether Mahler is exaggerating or whether the engineers in Munich have worked their magic once again to defy the laws of physics.
With ample space and plenty of features, the X7 was designed specifically for America, though of course it will be sold in global markets as well, from Europe to the Middle East, Russia and China, too. But far and away America will far and away be its biggest market. In fact, Mahler said the U.S. is projected to account for more than 50 percent of X7 sales.
Of course, the X7 was not only created with America in mind, but it’s also built in the Land of Liberty as well, rolling out of BMW’s factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is home to many of the company’s other SAV models including the X3, X4, X5 and X6. Assembling some 1,400 vehicles per day, it’s fitting that BMW’s largest model is also built in their biggest manufacturing plant.
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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