BMW announced that the first pre-production models of the X7 SUV have begun rolling off the line at the German automaker's manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The upcoming vehicle is in the final stages of development with the official launch eyed for late 2018.

"We are proud to produce the BMW X7 here in Spartanburg, the home of our X models. This is a very special vehicle and our employees are looking forward to yet a further member of the X family," said Knudt Flor, head of the Spartanburg plant.

The pre-production X7 models will be subjected to various endurance tests and test drives in order to see how the upcoming vehicle performs, especially when placed under extreme conditions. Engineers will also try to identify potential issues that may arise before the X7 is released to customers.

As part of the development process, the first batch of X7 units will be used for certification and registration.

Along with the announcement, BMW released a series of promotional images of the upcoming full-size three-row luxury SUV. One set of photos shows the 2019 X7 at various stages of the production line while the other set shows the upcoming vehicle out in the open — albeit in camouflage.

Though technical specifications have yet to be officially revealed by the automaker, some of the upcoming vehicle's features have been revealed via a leaked options list.

The leak has revealed that the 2019 X7 xDrive50i model will be powered by a 455-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The powertrain will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and power will be coursed through a four-wheel-drive system.

Other available features include an M Sport differential, 22-inch alloy wheels, an off-road package, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, remote engine start, heated seats, a panoramic glass roof and automatic climate control.

The all-new BMW X7 will make its official debut by the end of 2018 and will go on sale in spring 2019.