BMW GREEN-LIGHTS THREE-ROW X7… AGAIN

[marwan25]

Now comes yet another report that the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Audi Q7 rival might make production. Automobile says that the F17, as it is codenamed, is still under serious consideration. Apparently, BMW is evaluating how well it would sell in China, which is essentially the automaker’s most lucrative long-term market.

BMW is also looking closely at Audi’s plans for a larger Q9, which would slot in above the Q7 and, expectedly, offer more passenger space.

The F17 would likely come just before the next-generation X5, which is still several years away from entering production. By using more of the 5-Series’ structure, BMW could help shave several hundred lbs. from its current crossovers, a move that would save fuel and reduce emissions.

BMW has long flirted with the idea of a three-row crossover ever since Mercedes-Benz first offered a pair of stowable seats in its smaller ML in the late 1990s. However, the three-pointed star’s biggest rival has yet to commit, even as Audi picked up sales with its Q7.

BMW last canceled the project in 2008, when fuel prices skyrocketed and consumers shied away from big SUVs. Between the rapid growth of the Chinese market, American buyers’ decreasing sensitivity to fuel price fluctuations and new weight-saving technology, BMW might now green light the project for good.