October Update :

[chonkoa]

Time to think outside your safe American box perhaps? BMW does not make cars solely for the U.S market. Nobody outside the U.S is waiting for an X7.

I think it will be rather naive to ignore the importance of markets, and it will be supremely naive to undermine the importance of key markets.

 

[Mr Robert]

Yes, maybe, but SUV:s are about as out of fashion here as, well... anything... therefore, and because of rather expected penalties for manufacturers of cars like that, that type of car will not be around more extensively than, say, cars like Porsche GT3:s. For the really über rich and wierd people only.

 

[Centurion]

Absurdly enough the world's appetite for SUV has yet to be fully satisfied. Given that BMW already sell 4 different SUV they might as well add a massive one for the US market.

 

[SCOTT27]

The question is?

What would you rather have a Rolls-Royce badged Gargantom or a BMW X7?
What would you think would work better?

 

[EMpower]

The question is?

What would you rather have a Rolls-Royce badged Gargantom or a BMW X7?
What would you think would work better?

Definitely BMW X7 between the two. Also more market appeal for BMW then RR gargantuan, and more buyers. RR will limit the market to select people who like scissor doors and RR brand then the looks.

 

[bmer]

The question is?

What would you rather have a Rolls-Royce badged Gargantom or a BMW X7?

So it's either plague or smallpox, now which one do we want? Hmmm...

 

[chonkoa]

The question is?

What would you rather have a Rolls-Royce badged Gargantom or a BMW X7?
What would you think would work better?

For someone with a growing family SUV without a doubt.

 

[klier]

The question is?

What would you rather have a Rolls-Royce badged Gargantom or a BMW X7?
What would you think would work better?

That's not the question, it's your question

 

[Huckfeldt]

The question is?

What would you rather have a Rolls-Royce badged Gargantom or a BMW X7?
What would you think would work better?

What would work better ?? How about NONE OF THE ABOVE !

 

[EnI]

What about skipping X7, and offering X8 instead? A sporty crossover SUV instead of XXL utilitarian SUV ala GL, Escalade etc.

X8 will be large enough to be more practical than eg. X6, but luxurious & SPORTY - DYNAMIC in shape as well. There are enough utilitarian large SUVs out there (Range Rover, GL, Escalade, LX, Bentley SUV coming etc) ... IMO X8 would better fit BMW image, and it will be unique again in its size segment. And it can be placed on extended new X5 platform - since the platform will be modular. And for those who want more spacey SUV - X5L with usable 3rd row seats can be offered. It will cater US market well - while other markets I guess are not much interested in large utilitarian SUVs - since elsewhere large SUVs are more image vehicles, than used for practical purposes. And in those markets (China, Russia, ME etc) X8 will fit well.

 

[Human]

What about skipping X7, and offering X8 instead? A sporty crossover SUV instead of XXL utilitarian SUV ala GL, Escalade etc.

X8 will be large enough to be more practical than eg. X6, but luxurious & SPORTY - DYNAMIC in shape as well. There are enough utilitarian large SUVs out there (Range Rover, GL, Escalade, LX, Bentley SUV coming etc) ... IMO X8 would better fit BMW image, and it will be unique again in its size segment. And it can be placed on extended new X5 platform - since the platform will be modular. And for those who want more spacey SUV - X5L with usable 3rd row seats can be offered. It will cater US market well - while other markets I guess are not much interested in large utilitarian SUVs - since elsewhere large SUVs are more image vehicles, than used for practical purposes. And in those markets (China, Russia, ME etc) X8 will fit well.

My thoughts exactly! My idea is a F02 (platform) based SAV and a design largely based on the X1's. Elongated bonnet and coupe like hatch with descent ground clearance and luxury on par with the 7er. Think X1 in supersize just with a new fresh design i.e. more 'Shooting Brake'

 

[chonkoa]

What about skipping X7, and offering X8 instead? A sporty crossover SUV instead of XXL utilitarian SUV ala GL, Escalade etc.

X8 will be large enough to be more practical than eg. X6, but luxurious & SPORTY - DYNAMIC in shape as well. There are enough utilitarian large SUVs out there (Range Rover, GL, Escalade, LX, Bentley SUV coming etc) ... IMO X8 would better fit BMW image, and it will be unique again in its size segment. And it can be placed on extended new X5 platform - since the platform will be modular. And for those who want more spacey SUV - X5L with usable 3rd row seats can be offered. It will cater US market well - while other markets I guess are not much interested in large utilitarian SUVs - since elsewhere large SUVs are more image vehicles, than used for practical purposes. And in those markets (China, Russia, ME etc) X8 will fit well.

How about X7 first because it better fits BMW image(sarcasm intended). On a more serious note X7 makes practical sense and once again I will point to the GL as a reference.
If X6 sales in the US is anything to go by then I confidently project what the X8 numbers will be- not that I expect BMW to stoop to that level of absurdity.

 

[Levi68]

Just make a 2 door 'coupe' version of the next X6, and put a V12 in it if you have to. No need for a whole new gigantic SUV.

Though I must say, I sat in a GL the other day at the dealership, and it's quite awesome from the inside. I am 1.85 cm and I can properly sit in the very back seats of the GL (they are fully electric too, very cool). Still I don't want to see an X7. Much rather see a lightweight small sportscar.

+1

 

[Huckfeldt]

How about we don't fall into debating the hype whenever CM posts a new thread full of hot air ?

 

[EnI]

Fool moon on horizon?

What's wrong with debate? Leave us alone. If not wanting to debate, stay out of this thread.

 

[SKY]

I think debate is focusing on the wrong car. What about the CS 2.0 guys?. I´m pretty excited with this car.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

I think debate is focusing on the wrong car. What about the CS 2.0 guys?. I´m pretty excited with this car.

I agree. The CS Concept was just such a dynamic concept, they could put that that exact car into production come 2018 (or whenever it's planned) and it would still look bloody magnificent! Just update the lighting technology and all the internal tech'...and the CS 2.0 is done and ready for production.


Just imagine the CS Concept with the new 6er-style LED headlights!!

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Also moving the 7er to an ASF....that's great news. Here's hoping for significant weight reductions from its current portly state.

 

[chonkoa]

Also moving the 7er to an ASF....that's great news. Here's hoping for significant weight reductions from its current portly state.

I think that wish can be extended to the entire lineup.

 

[KiwiRob]

Time to think outside your safe American box perhaps? BMW does not make cars solely for the U.S market. Nobody outside the U.S is waiting for an X7.

The Russians would love it, ever been to Moscow there are more premium SUV's on Moscows streets than in any US city I've ever been in. ThewChinese will also be interested in it.