BMW X7 iPerformance Study Plugs Into The Heart Of Frankfurt Show

BMW is marking the first public appearance of the new X7 iPerformance Concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

It represents a major step towards the introduction of a new flagship SUV, which will sit above the current X5, and it provides a glimpse into the Bavarian automaker's future styling direction.

The show car has a boxier design than its smaller siblings, and it adopts an evolved version of the kidney grille flanked by a set of slim headlights, but it still remains instantly recognizable as a BMW, and it should retain most of its visual appearance when it hits the assembly lines next year.

However, unlike the study, the final production version of the X7, which will rival vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover, is expected to offer seating for up to 7, instead of 6, in three rows of seats.

In the engine compartment, BMW will add at least three gasoline and diesel units, in addition to some electrified powertrains. The concept uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged lump that comes straight from the 740e xDrive iPerformance, so this could be carried over as well.