As I’ve mentioned before in my Facebook video, the all-new X7 plays a very important role for BMW in that it will redefine what luxury is to the brand – think of it as the 7-series of BMW’s X family.
Cutting to the chase, there are four models available at launch – X7 xDrive40i, xDrive50i, xDrive30d and the M50d – all of which are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
| Max Power | Max Torque | 0 – 100km/h | Top Speed | |
| xDrive40i | 340 hp | 450 Nm | 6.1 secs | 245 km/h |
| xDrive50i | 462 hp | 650 Nm | 5.4 secs | 250 km/h |
| xDrive30d | 265 hp | 620 Nm | 7.0 secs | 227 km/h |
| M50d | 400 hp | 760 Nm | 5.4 secs | 250 km/h |
Except for the xDrive50i that comes with a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 petrol engine, the rest comes with either petrol or diesel-powered 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six engines. Four wheel steer is available as an option.
Deploying a rear-biased all-wheel drive system, the X7 can direct full power to the rear wheels alone for better efficiency.
Measuring over five metres long, two metres wide and 1.8 metres tall – the X7 establishes itself as the new head of BMW’s X family. Everything about the X7 is over-the-top, as projected by the largest kidney grille ever designed by BMW.
It even sports the one of the largest BMW badges on its front hood. BMW’s Laserlight with Adaptive headlights can be specified on top of the standard LED pair, with a maximum “non-dazzling high beam projection” of 600 metres.
Slotted between the slim LED rear lights is a chrome bar, a design previously seen in the BMW 7-series – a symbol of its stature as the 7-series of the X family. 20-inch light alloys are standard with 21- and 22-inch options.
Inside, the X7 comes with a sports leather steering wheel as standard, along with a newly-designed gear selector, Control Display and digital instrument cluster – each 12.3-inch in size. Some of the controls one the centre console can also be specified to be made of glass. A “thermo” version of the cupholders in the centre console is an optional extra to keep their containers cool or warm as required.
Full-sized seats are offered for two passengers in the third row but if you’re after a full-blown “limousine” experience, the second row can be specified with two individual seats – like an Alphard – except the X7 looks way better than the van.
All three rows of seats are electronically-adjustable, with controls for the driver to adjust the second row seats from the front. With all its seats upright, the X7 offers 326-litres of cargo space.
A three-part panoramic glass roof is standard – stretching all the way back to the third row seats – where they can be electronically-operated; even in the third row. With the glass roof, there’s even a Sky Lounge feature for a visual feast when night falls.
LED light is spread across the glass surfaces to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky.
As standard, there’ll be 10-speakers to go with the standard sound system but if you’re an audiophile, there’ll be an optional Harman Kardon or Bower & Wilkins system. The pair of 10.2-inch HD displays for the second row passengers, is sadly an optional extra.
With the standard air suspension, the car can be lowered with a touch of a button for ease of loading. For the same reason, the X7 also features a split two-section tailgate – both of which can be electronically-opened and closed. Hands-free features are an optional extra.
In SPORT mode, the car’s ride height is automatically lowered by 20mm. The driver can also choose to lower or raise the car by up to 40mm.
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