2017 Frankfurt Motor Show: BMW X7 iPerformance Concept breaks cover

Images of the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept have appeared on the Bimmerpost online forum ahead of its reveal this week, showing the concept SUV’s audacious front end, which is dominated by an outrageously large kidney grille that resembles an upskirt pic of someone sitting on a garden chair.

While you’d hope that front-end is toned down for the production version, along with the chrome right angles at the front and side, it’s worth remembering the American-built X7 is primarily designed for the US and Chinese markets, whose beholders of beauty aren’t universally known for their tact.

That said, the BMW X7 Concept has a number of pleasing design elements that could be happily carried across, such as the sleek LED headlights and narrow L-shaped taillights flanking an illuminated band running across its BMW X5-like split tailgate.

Its massive 20-plus inch wheels and stunning panoramic glass roof are other agreeable features, as are the flush door handles – though it’s questionable if they’ll be practical enough for the production vehicle. The slim side mirrors will probably be beefed up a little too.

The charging-port lid on the left quarter panel betrays its hybrid powertrain, likely to be the same hybrid system as the 740e iPerformance’s turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and 9.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The luxurious interior looks production ready with nothing revolutionary apart from its attractive futuristic steering wheel. The dashboard is less cluttered than the 5- and 7-Series models’ thanks to its slimline air vents and infotainment screen that extends from the digital gauge cluster.

The third row is also clearly visible, and its extended length over the X5 means the rearmost seating positions should be reasonably spacious, though the thick D-pillar might restrict side vision.

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