Car Review: BMW X7
This week, BMW introduced a new key member to its luxury range in our local market, and not only is it the latest model from the automaker, it is also the largest.
As we’ve seen in the rest of BMW’s luxury family lately, the X7 makes new sophisticated styling, next-level technologies, and dynamic driving experiences available to its largest SUV – or rather, SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) – as BMW says. While there is a host of exciting new features to add to the X7, these come at an extra cost, but what stands out as standard on this new model is its extensive amount of space and luxurious comfort for large families.
The look
In terms of size, its larger-than-life exterior measures at 5151 mm in length, 2000 mm in width and 1805 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3105 mm – so you can expect loads of interior space for all its passengers. On the outside, the X7’s bold and muscular stance supports more specific styling elements from precise lines, a large and dominant-looking grille and sophisticated lighting design that accentuate the car’s width. As standard, all X7 models get LED headlights, while BMW’s LED Laserlight Spotlight with Selective Beam can be added as an option. 21-inch light alloy wheels are fitted as standard, while customers can choose 22-inch variants as an option. Overall, the X7 certainly looks like the ‘biggest boss’ of the BMW luxury family.
Step inside…
Inside, three rows of large and plush seats don’t compromise on space and room in the cabin. While the seven seats are standard, customers who feel they don’t need as many seats can opt for a 6-seater. Being the most luxurious of BMW’s SUVs, the X7’s interior (even in its base model) is drizzled with high quality materials, surfaces and features. You feel ‘extra special’ when you’re seated in its cabin, and there’s storage space for days too. Apart from extra large door bins, there are all sorts of hidden storage compartments all around.
If you’re passenger number six or seven (seated in the third row) you’ve got almost everything you need and no reason to leave. Apart from generous head and legroom you get cup holders, a USB charging point, your own climate control, and optional heated seats.
A large glass panoramic sunroof comes as standard, but if you want to make it even more special, you can opt for BMW’s SkyLounge, which features 15 000 micro LED lights that give the cabin a truly elegant and exciting touch at night.
Driving impression
On the road, you might be surprised at how quick and responsive the X7’s engines are, considering that they’re powering such a large and heavy vehicle. The X7 is currently available with a choice of two diesel engines (the xDrive 30D and M50D) but a petrol variant (the M50i) is said to be available from October 2019.
The 30D offers 195 kW of power and 620 Nm of torque, while the M50D offers 294 kW and and 760 Nm. Both are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and despite the huge amount of power and pull they both offer, you hardly notice when you’re travelling at higher speeds, thanks to the X7’s smooth ride quality. In fact, you might be better off driving in Cruise Control if you want to keep a safe and constant speed on the highways. There’s an assortment of different driving modes in the X7, from Comfort to Eco Pro and Sport, among others, but we were quite happy leaving it in Comfort Mode while enjoying the X7s impressive air suspension that offers a really serene ride quality.
Pricing and conclusion
BMW has done a great job at making the X7 feel like the SUV of the 7 Series. Whether or not customers are really in need of such a large, premium vehicle remains to be determined by upcoming sales charts, but once seen in the metal and experienced behind the wheel, the X7 is going to entice those in the market for one.
Pricing for the BMW X7 is as follows:
X7 xDrive 30D: R1 562 849
X7 M50D: R1 862 308
X7 M50i (available from October): R1 871 542
*Pricing includes CO2 tax and 15% VAT