x7

BMW Australia has been forced to temporarily stop accepting orders for the quad-turbo X5 and X7 M50d, robbing it of a diesel flagship for its big SUVs. At the moment, the M50d accounts for 16 per cent of X5 sales and 12 per cent of X7 sales. Both X5 and X7 M50d models are powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel engine with four turbochargers, putting out 294kW and 760Nm.

The range-topping BMW X5 M50i and X7 M50i were unveiled overnight, ahead of an anticipated Australian launch before the end of the year. Like the M850i xDrive, both crossovers are powered by a 4.4-litre V8 with two turbochargers located within the V. The engine is said to make 390kW of power between 5500 and 6000rpm, and 750Nm between 1800rpm and 4600rpm. All of that is channelled to the ground via an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

BMW has officially unveiled its new seven-seat SUV flagship, the X7, in four different trim grades. As you've probably gathered, the X7 is seriously big. Measuring 5151mm long, 2000mm wide and 1805mm tall, with a 3105mm wheelbase, it dwarves the already-massive X5 (4922mm/2004mm/1745mm) above which it sits in the range.

The BMW X7 has been spied again this week, giving us a closer look at the company's upcoming SUV flagship. Compared to the prototype seen at the Nurburgring in April, this X7 appears to be wearing its production headlights and front grille, along with a darker camouflage with a spider web-like pattern. The front bumper still appears unfinished, though the tail-lights and rear treatment look to be that of the production version.

The next-generation BMW X5 and upcoming BMW X7 have been spotted during performance testing at the Nurburgring race track in Germany this week. It's clear that the Bavarian company is placing a high importance on the handling of both of its forthcoming SUV models, just like most other models in its range.