Borgward reveals new BX7 SUV at Frankfurt show

You might never have heard of Borgward, but the German brand is making a comeback after a 54 year absence with this: the BX7 seven-seat SUV. Auto Bild published the first official images of the near-production model, and now it has been seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The SUV is set to launch next year in China and emerging markets, but won't arrive in Europe until 2017. It's not clear yet if Borgward intends to convert the BX7 to right-hand drive for UK market.

7

Set to rival the Kia Sorento, the 4.7-metre long BX7 features a large chrome slatted front grille with Borgward's rhombus logo design in the centre. Rugged lower body cladding also features, and the rising waistline is reminiscent of the Hyundai Santa Fe.

The model at Frankfurt is believed to be fitted with a 220bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and four-wheel drive. A plug-in hybrid version is also expected to appear, although we're not expecting a diesel to appear any time soon.

7

Plans to bring back Borgward were announced at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, headed by the original founder’s grandson. It’s believed the reborn car firm will initially focus on the Chinese market – where there’s a healthy appetite for SUVs and European brands – and has set a target of 800,000 sales a year by 2020.

While SUVs are undoubtedly popular, it’s a far cry from Borgward’s heritage – during the 1950s it was the third largest vehicle manufacturer in Germany and was known for its stylish coupes, saloons and commercial vehicles, before financial troubles, management issues and eventually bankrupcy saw the name disappear in 1961.

Can this old brand can compete with established European SUVs? Let us know in the comments box below.