BMW Confirms New Luxury Model, Says X7 Will Arrive in 2018

On March 7th, 2016, BMW halted production at nearly all factories, which joined the company’s live official 100th anniversary celebration in the Olympiahalle in Munich. Now, the German brand returned to Olympiahalle for the 96th Annual General Meeting of BMW AG, where chairman Harald Kruger made several announcement about the automaker’s future plans. As is the case with such important events, BMW unveiled plans to further expand its vehicle lineup and confirmed that brand-new vehicles will be launched in the future.

Arguably the most important news is that BMW will introduce a new luxury model. Kruger had no actual details to share, but the most likely candidate is the highly anticipated 9 Series. Essentially a longer 7 Series with a slightly revised exterior design, the 9 Series will be aimed at long-wheelbase versions of the S-Class and slot right below the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Rumored since 2013, the limousine will most likely arrive in late 2018 or early 2019.

Another model confirmed by Kruger is the X7. Also rumored for quite some time, the X7 will become BMW’s largest SUV and will offer seating for up to seven people. Key competitors for the big hauler will include the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. According to BMW, the X7 will become available in 2018, which means we could see it in concept form sometime in 2017. The vehicle will likely share underpinnings with the upcoming Rolls-Royce SUV, known as project Cullinan.

Kruger also said that BMW aims to expand its M and i programs. Although details are slim, we expect to see a full-fledged M7, as well as high-performance versions of the X1, X3, and X7. As far as the electric/hybrid i family goes, BMW will probably launch a larger version of the i3, dubbed i5.

Alongside the new nameplates, Munich will also debut new technology. Confirmed developments include an enhanced connectivity system, use of artificial intelligence, and autonomous cars.

Continue reading for the full story.

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