Munich/Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Visitors to this
year’s BMW Motorrad Days can expect to see, in addition to many bike
highlights, a true one-off – the BMW X7 Pick-up. A unique conversion
performed by BMW Group vocational trainees in cooperation with the
Concept Vehicle Construction and Model Technology divisions at the
BMW Munich plant. The vehicle is based on the BMW X7, the most
luxurious and latest member of the BMW X family. The one-off combines
the drive technology of the 250 kW/340 hp BMW X7 xDrive40i (fuel
consumption combined: 9.0 – 8.7 l/100 km [31.4 – 32.5 mpg imp]; CO2
emissions combined: 205 – 198 g/km) with the innovative vehicle
concept of a five-seater luxury pick-up.
A handcrafted loading
area boasting a sophisticated fine-polished wood finish, a
height-adjustable two-level air suspension and numerous high-class
equipment details make this BMW X7 Pick-up an ideal companion for the
diverse day-to-day uses and more. A BMW F 850 GS – a powerful
motorcycle from the adventure segment – on the loading area completes
the conversion. Together they are able to reach even the remotest
corners of the world.
“I am pleased about the synergies between BMW Group
Vocational Training, Concept Vehicle Construction and Model
Technology, allowing these young talents to prove their abilities with
such an extraordinary project,” concludes Milagros Caiña-Andree,
Member of the Board for Human Resources of the BMW AG.
High-class materials and state-of-the-art production methods
meet craftsmanship.
Behind the passenger cabin
providing five persons with a luxury ambience, the BMW X7 Pick-up
offers a generous loading area. The length of the loading space varies
from 140 cm (closed) to 200 cm (open). Thanks to the intelligent use
of CFRP on roof components, rear doors and the rear lid, it was
possible to further reduce weight by 200 kg vs. the production model,
despite a 10 cm longer body. In interplay with the high-quality,
handcrafted teakwood cladding of the loading area upgrade and the
parapet elements, handgrips and trim strips made from SLS 3D pressure
parts, it becomes clear just how much innovative strength, competence
and technical precision the trainees already display. The combination
of honey-coloured teakwood and the BMW Individual colour Tanzanite
Blue metallic – an exclusive navy blue finish that develops extra
depth when exposed to sunlight – was inspired by yachting sports and
creates a sophisticated look.
From a concept to a vehicle in show car quality in just ten
months.
In just ten months, the twelve trainees from the
occupational sectors body and vehicle mechanics (m/f/x), vehicle
mechatronics (m/f/x) and technical model construction (m/f/x) turned a
concept into a fully functional, road-legal automobile in show car
quality. In keeping with the BMW brand’s sustainability strategy, a
vehicle returned from testing formed the cost-efficient basis of the
concept, which the trainees consequently saved from being scrapped.
The trainees were free to decide on conception and implementation, but
had to forgo the additional expert assistance normally provided in
concept car construction. The coherent final result gives the trainees
even more reason to be proud of their practical training project.
Their dream: to go for a spin in the BMW X7 Pick-up after its premiere
or even take it for a trip to the mountains.
The BMW X7 Pick-up and the BMW F 850 GS – unbeatable as a
duo.
On the loading area of the converted vehicle stands
a BMW F 850 GS, which is ideally suited to the BMW Motorrad Days. With
a combination of touring and long-distance capability, sporty dynamics
and supreme off-road qualities, the BMW F 850 GS perfectly complements
the qualities of the BMW X7 Pick-up. However, in everyday life, the
BMW X7 pick-up and the BMW F 850 GS are faithful companions: thanks
to their excellent driving characteristics both on paved and unpaved
roads, the journey is the destination.
The BMW X7 Pick-up is a
one-off from BMW Group Vocational Training at the Munich location.
Series implementation is not planned. Special projects such as this
serve during training to convey and deploy the required capabilities
in practice. Clear training contents with an occupational interest in
each profession exist in such projects. The BMW Group currently trains
almost 5,000 persons in nine countries worldwide.