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2019 BMW X7 vs luxury SUV rivals: Comparing specs and photos

Today we get our first-ever look at the first-ever 2019 BMW X7 crossover. We've actually already had our first-ever drive in an X7 Prototype. And so, we thought it appropriate to follow that up today with the first-ever X7 comparison of specs between BMW's first-ever three-row crossover with legitimate room for seven and its many high-dollar competitors. On paper, the 2019 X7 definitely seems to most closely align with the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Their similar dimensions, interior space, engine choices and price would certainly imply where BMW placed the target when developing X7. We used those same elements to determine three-row vehicles likely to be cross-shopped or that should be cross-shopped. These include the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery, Volvo XC90 and Lincoln Navigator. Yes, the latter is a truck-based SUV as opposed to a crossover, but tell that to all the people lining out the door at the local Lincoln emporium. They do not care, and neither shall we. We also included the 2019 BMW X5, which was completely redesigned for this year and therefore not the first-ever. That makes it less appealing? Either way, lining the new X5 up with the SUV that leapfrogs it atop BMW's SUV hierarchy should provide a good idea of just how much more you get by going up a model number. Engines and model lineup Again, the X7 aligns closest with the GLS, offering a base six-cylinder in its xDrive40i model and an upgrade turbo V8 in the xDrive50i. The Mercedes engines have greater output, but the GLS still accelerates slower than the BMW. As the 2019 X5 offers the exact same engines, we would also expect the X7's fuel economy to be superior to the GLS once its estimates are announced. It should be noted, though, that the GLS offers a high-powered AMG model whereas we anticipate the X7 to offer a plug-in hybrid model comparable to the X5 upcoming xDrive45e model. The other luxury SUVs diverge in their engine choices and model lineup. The Audi Q7 offers a base turbocharged four-cylinder, as does the Volvo XC90 in its T5 model, which we left out of the above chart entirely for space reasons. That the Q7 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 gets the same fuel economy estimates as the four-cylinder is proof positive that engine is purely around for its lower base price.

2015 BMW X6 stays the course with more power, RWD model

What would this world be without the BMW X6? Oh, sure, the whole coupe-crossover design trend surely would have started somewhere, but BMW was the first, launching its odd duck back in 2008. Much as we like to harp on the X6 (for being less functional and more expensive than the X5 on which it's based), people around the world sure do seem to like the thing, BMW having sold some 250,000 examples since the CUV's birth. And as you first saw thanks to leaked images this morning, the second-generation X6 has just arrived.
The shape is familiar, as are specific styling elements like the larger headlamps (now available with a full-LED treatment) and taillamps, mimicking those found on the X5. Two trims are available - xLine and M Sport - the former taking a more subdued approach, while the latter uses the traditionally bulgy and aggressive M-badged kit, with larger air intakes and matte aluminum grille bars. All X6s come standard with 19-inch wheels, and 20s are optional.
Regardless of trim, BMW will now offer the X6 in three guises here in the United States: sDrive35i, xDrive35i and xDrive50i. Dissecting the nomenclature, that means the first two models will be powered by BMW's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, good for 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The sDrive X6 uses rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive, of course, uses all-wheel drive. Moving up, the xDrive50i uses the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 as its predecessor, though power has been increased to 450 hp and 480 lb-ft. All X6 models are fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and BMW says that the new powertrains are more efficient than before, though official fuel economy numbers have not yet been released.

Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo torquing its way toward Frankfurt

Few tuners benefit from the kind of factory support that Alpina does, giving the pseudo-aftermarket firm nearly as much official status as BMW's own M division. And this is its latest product.
Set to debut, as expected, at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week is the new Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo, which you can consider, for all intents and purposes, the diesel M3 that BMW never built. While the outgoing D3 (which was Alpina's best-selling model) used a four-cylinder engine, Autocar reports that the new model packs a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo inline-six diesel to drive a respectable 345 horsepower but a mammoth 516 pound-feet of torque to either the rear wheels or all four through the optional availability of xDrive. (European buyers will also be able to choose between sedan and wagon bodystyles.)
The engine is the same as you'd find in the XD3 and D5 (Alpina's diesel performance versions of the X3 and 5 Series, respectively), but in the lighter 3 Series form can propel the D3 Bi-Turbo up to 62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds and on to an Autobahn-crunching top speed of 173 mph. And as per Alpina tradition, visual cues are minimal, with a subtly optimized aero kit and 19- or available 20-inch alloy wheels. Unfortunately, the 7 Series-based B7 is the only Alpina we get on this side of the Atlantic, but an oil-drenched performance enthusiast can dream.