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BMW X7 to follow Volvo's lead with four-seat, $100k limo

That BMW is planning an X7 crossover is nothing new. The company needs a three-row model to cap its crossover range and take on the Mercedes GLS and Audi Q7, and the current X5 can only take it so far. But according to Automotive News, the Bavarian automaker is planning an even more luxurious version – with fewer seats. The ultra-luxe X7 variant is slated to arrive as the latest embodiment of a new trend emerging among upscale automakers. You make a seven-seat SUV, then rip out the second and third rows, replace them with a pair of first-class recliners, and presto! You have a high-riding limousine. Volvo recently took that approach with the introduction of the XC90 Excellence, and Mercedes may soon adopt a similar formula with the anticipated Maybach version of the GLS. Now BMW appears to be following suit as well. Like the XC90 Excellence, the X7 limousine would carry a price tag in excess of $100,000, and for all that scrap, buyers could expect all the luxury accoutrements that Munich has to offer. Look for reclining seats, acres of legroom, infotainment displays mounted to the front seatbacks, and a center console packed with temperature-controlled cupholders, folding tables, and maybe even a bottle cooler. Like the anticipated 9 Series sedan, the X7 limo would help BMW bridge the gap between its core range and its Rolls-Royce line, which is soon to launch a crossover of its own – albeit unrelated to the X7 – to compete in an even higher market segment. Though these rearward-focused luxury crossovers may be targeted especially at the Chinese market – where titans of industry are chauffeured through densely packed city streets – the X7 is anticipated to be built right here in the USA at the plant in Spartanburg, SC. It won't be the only new crossover joining the Roundel marque's lineup, though. A new X2 is anticipated to apply the same format we've seen on the X6 and X4 to the smaller X1. At this rate, we wouldn't be surprised to see a super-sized, slant-backed X8 to follow as luxury automakers make a growing share of their profits from crossovers. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2014 BMW X5 View 35 Photos News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: BMW BMW Crossover Luxury bmw x7

BMW working on 'FAST' CUV to slot between X1 and 2 Series

Our spy shooters have caught a new FAST BMW testing that's rumored to hit the market in late 2015. Sadly, the word fast in that last sentence isn't describing the car's performance; instead it's an acronym that stands for Family Active Sports Tourer. Talk about a case of false advertising.
Despite it's speedy name, the FAST doesn't look ready to set any Nürburgring lap records. It rides on BMW's modular, front-wheel drive UKL platform that underpins the current generation Mini Cooper, upcoming 2 Series Active Tourer and next X1. According to our spies, its design is supposed to blend the looks of a wagon and a CUV on the outside with a large, useful interior. Conceivably, it could be offered with the hybrid system from the 2 Series, as well.
The new prototype definitely shares the styling of its front-wheel-drive BMW siblings. Up to the A-pillar, it looks pretty similar to what we know about the future X1. But the FAST has a more arched profile and lower ride height compared to the crossover's chunkier, more conventional design.

BMW 4 Series spied with its future competition

BMW showed off its new 4 Series coupe in concept form at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, but it won't be long before we see the production model, evidenced by this modestly camouflaged prototype spotted testing. In case you forgot, the 4 Series serves as the replacement for the two-door versions of the BMW 3 Series, just as the upcoming 2 Series will effectively be the new version of the 1 Series coupe and convertible sold in our market.
This isn't our first glimpse of the 4 Series out testing, and we've even spied its droptop, Gran Coupe and too-hot M4 kin. We don't expect the final design to stray too much from the concept car seen in Detroit, albeit without the normal conceptual goodies like oversized wheels and with the overstyled front fascia toned down a bit. Our spy photographers even caught the 4 Series coupe hanging out with an Audi A5, giving us a good glimpse at how the two cars will stack up in terms of size and design.
It's still unknown exactly what engines will power the car when it comes to production, but since this thing is a derivative of the 3 Series, we expect the usual range of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines to be available, likely in 428i ad 435i guise (though, to be fair, the larger 640i coupe uses a 3.0-liter turbo engine, so there's even the potential for 440i nomenclature to work its way into the mix). We'll have to wait until the car officially bows later this year to know for sure.