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BMW has confirmed that it was working on an extra-large X7 SUV – but has also revealed that the project has now been cancelled.
The putative rival for the Mercedes GL was believed to be based on an expanded version of the X5’s floorpan, and would have featured seven seats. Rising oil prices and the slowing global economy have stymied BMW’s plans to bring it to market, with the cancellation of the project confirmed in the company’s financial report.
The news will be seen as confirmation that the luxury car market is starting to feel the pinch as demand for thirsty, expensive cars slackens. The X7 would have been aimed squarely at the US market, where demand for full-size SUVs has declined dramatically since the start of the year.
BMW’s announcement also raises the question as to whether Mercedes will replace the similarly-proportioned GL when it comes to the end of its life.
Will Powell
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