BMW told us that it’s planning for a “big” surprise at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, and just days ahead of the show’s opening, that “big” surprise has finally come to light – it’s the long-awaited X7 Concept. And in true Bimmer fashion, the concept isn’t lacking in style, flair, and all-around brashness.

For the record, these photos didn’t come from BMW; they came from Bimmerpost. The BMW-focused site describes them as leaked photos and when you compare them to teasers released by BMW, they do appear to be the same car. There’s plenty to discuss regarding the X7 Concept, not the least of which is an eye-catching design that’s straddling the thin line between love and hate. More details should be expected as soon as the SUV concept breaks cover at the Frankfurt Motor Show. For now, though, take these leaked photos for what they are – a preemptive look at a concept that’s looking more and more divisive the more I look at it. I suppose it’s probably for the best that the X7 Concept is only a concept at this point; if it were a production model, I don’t think BMW would like most folks' reaction.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

I’m not a fan of the BMW X7 Concept

I understand the urge among automakers to be really aggressive with their concept studies since being timid on these prototypes run counter to their primary objectives in the first place. Concepts are supposed to be wild, or at the very least, create reactions from across the entire spectrum of emotions. It’s not uncommon for a concept to be loved and loathed at the same time, and it seems that the initial reactions surrounding the X7 Concept falls directly under this category. Some people love it while others hate it. It just so happens that I’m more on the latter side on this one.

While I will attest that there are certain elements of the X7 Concept that I like – the rear section being one of them – I find more items about them that leave a lot to be desired. The front section, in particular, looks like a cluttered mess. The massive kidney grille doesn’t work. The proportions of the bumper and the rest of the section are unbalanced. The headlamps are fancy but they’re drowned out by the sheer size of that grille.

The side profile of the X7 Concept is a little better. BMW promised a big SUV and the X7 Concept certainly is that. It appears to have a high ride height to begin. The pillars also stand out, creating a high roof that all combine to make for an imposing profile. Just as well, the length of the SUV is also worth noting here, even though we still don’t have the measurements for the car. It really is striking though how long the X7 Concept is. This at least gives weight to Bimmer saying that the concept will be the first BMW to feature seating for seven passengers. Aggressive body and shoulder lines also help create that look of muscularity that BMW appears to be aiming for, to begin with. The side mirrors also appear to have some technology to them. Perhaps a camera? Overall, it’s a better design than the front section, at least as far as I’m concerned.

If there is a highlight to the X7 Concept, it’s the rear section. While I’m not a big fan of what appears to be thin, vertical tailpipes (really, BMW?), I do like how the design of this section is a lot cleaner than the front end. The thin taillights stand out, partly because there are no kidney grilles to take all the attention away.

Overall, I’m not a big fan of the how the X7 Concept looks. I think there’s no balance to it, even by concept car standards. Then again, this is why this car is a concept and not a production model. Should BMW decide to go with a production model like everyone expects it does, it’s more than likely that it’s going to tone down the SUV’s design. If anything, it’s probably going to be better off doing just that.

References

BMW X7

Read our full speculative review on the upcoming BMW X7.