BMW’S X7 IS THE LARGEST SUV in the range, and with Australians’ propensity for ever-larger SUVs (although BMW insist on calling it an SAV), is sure to be popular when it is released in the fourth quarter this year.
Headline changes for BMW’s flagship Sports Activity Vehicle, of which 2498 examples have been registered in Australia since launch in 2019 and which saw 40 percent year-on-year sales growth in Q1 2022, are extensive and across the board.
They include a new front end, new M Sport package, light-alloy wheels measuring up to 23 inches and the latest generation BMW iDrive control and operation system including the BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8.
The new BMW X7 also includes an expanded range of standard equipment features, additional driver assistance features and the latest 48-volt mild hybrid technology.
Availability of the latter, which will deliver new levels of efficiency and performance, represents a first for BMW vehicles offered to customers in Australia.
Two models will launch in Q4 – the X7 xDrive40d and X7 M60i xDrive – with pricing and specification detail to be announced in the lead up to market introduction.
Exterior design: exclusive looks, progressive style
The newly structured front end picks up on signature BMW design cues such as the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. In their newly interpreted form, these features emphasise the car’s upright stance and reinforce its road presence.
Split headlight units make their debut on the new BMW X7, while the horizontal LED light elements set higher up in the front-end house the position light, daytime driving lights and turn signal indicators.
LED units located below for the low-beam and high-beam headlights give the impression of retreating into the background with their dark housing and deeply embedded position in the front apron and only come to the fore when activated.
The new adaptive matrix LED headlights with non-dazzling high beam and adaptive light distribution now also provide the functionality of front fog lights with their automatic bad weather light.
Discreet cascade lighting for the two BMW kidney grille elements brings a richly extravagant feeling to the front end of the new BMW X7 both when stationary and on the move.
The “Iconic Glow” BMW kidney grille (nobody is as fixated on their grille as BMW, or can find as many ways to reinterpret it) is a standard feature of the range-topping BMW X7 M60i xDrive and will be offered as an option on the X7 xDrive40d.
At the rear end, the progressive style of the slim light units, which now have three-dimensional sculpting, is accentuated. The elegant chrome bar connecting the rear light units on the new BMW X7 is enclosed within a streamlined glass cover.
The newly designed M Sport package shines an even brighter spotlight on the dynamic driving properties of the BMW X7 with BMW M-specific design features for the exterior and interior.
Sparkling Copper Grey metallic is a new addition to the X7 exterior colour palette, delivering a striking look in combination with the extensive design revisions.
M Marina Bay Blue metallic paint is available exclusively for the BMW X7 M60i xDrive to further emphasise its sporting intention.
Optional 23-inch light-alloy wheels will be available ex-factory for the first time on a BMW model.
Space, and an extended suite of standard equipment
The generous feeling of space on board the new BMW X7 can be enjoyed across three rows of seats.
The newly designed instrument panel, with its slim air vents and an ambient light bar included as standard in its lower section, combines with the new BMW Curved Display to mark the new X7 cabin with modern style shaped by progressive digitalisation.
The innovative ambient light bar on the dash fascia includes LED backlit graphics displaying “X7” lettering (or the M logo in the new BMW X7 M60i xDrive) and represents an integral element of the situation-based light effects to enhance the aura of exclusivity inside the cabin. The gear selector lever is also given a new and cutting-edge design.
The expanded range of standard equipment for the new BMW X7 goes to new lengths in enhancing comfort and luxury for those on board.
As well as the four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass sunroof and hi-fi system, the equipment offering now also includes comfort seats for the driver and front passenger, a sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and a new tray for wirelessly charging compatible mobile phones.
Highlights of the options list include the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof (illuminated by LED units), the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and newly designed Travel & Comfort System.
Active seat ventilation and a massage function are also offered for the driver and front passenger.
If the new Comfort Package is specified, the seats in the second and third rows can also be heated, as can the steering wheel and the armrests for the driver and front passenger.
Newly developed engines with the latest 48-volt mild hybrid technology
The engine range is headed by a new 4.4-litre petrol V8 for the range-topping BMW X7 M60i xDrive, a unit derived from the engines powering high-performance machinery from the BMW M division.
M TwinPower Turbo technology and a cross-bank exhaust manifold imbue the powerplant with output and torque figures of 390kW and 750Nm.
Detailed upgrades to the six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the new BMW X7 xDrive40d have also yielded improvements to its fuel economy and emissions.
The maximum output of its overall drive system is 259kW, while nominal torque of the diesel engine is 700Nm. This however can be increased to as much as 720Nm with input of the mild hybrid system.
The new-generation 48-volt mild hybrid technology is the most prominent shared feature of the new engine line-up.
In its latest incarnation, this form of electrification comprises a crankshaft-mounted starter generator integrated into the transmission and contributes an additional 9kW of output and an extra 200Nm of torque.
All engines partner with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including shift paddles on the steering wheel. Engine power is channelled to the road – or unsurfaced terrain, if required – via the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive.
Sophisticated chassis technology
The adaptive two-axle air suspension teams up as standard with electronically controlled dampers to deliver signature BMW dynamic prowess combined with superior comfort on long journeys.
Standard specification for the new BMW X7 M60i xDrive includes Integral Active Steering, the Executive Drive system with active roll stabilisation and M Sport differential at the rear.
All chassis systems have been retuned for the new BMW X7 to enable it to span the widest possible spectrum between handling and driving comfort.
Expanded selection of driver assistance systems
Comfort and safety in the new BMW X7 are further enhanced by a significantly expanded selection of automated driving and parking systems.
New features include the extended range of functions offered by the front-collision warning system, which now also reduces the danger of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming vehicles when turning off.
Also new is the exit warning function, which alerts occupants to a risk of collision when opening the door.
Parking Assistant Professional, which will be standard on locally-delivered X7 models, includes the advanced Reversing Assistant function that can now steer the vehicle for a distance of up to 200 metres.
The new Trailer Assistant makes it easier to execute reversing manoeuvres when towing a trailer, while the new Manoeuvre Assistant can store manoeuvres covering a distance of up to 200 metres each. When the vehicle next arrives at a memorised starting point, the Manoeuvre Assistant can carry out all the tasks required to complete the manoeuvre, controlling the accelerator, brakes and steering as well as changing gear to move forward or reverse. While the automated manoeuvre is being performed, the driver can focus on monitoring the vehicle’s surroundings.
Latest-generation BMW iDrive with BMW Curved Display
The standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus in the new BMW X7 includes the latest edition of the BMW iDrive control/operation system. It is based on BMW Operating System 8 and integrates the BMW Curved Display, which is formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches.
With the new display grouping in place and the continually expanding skillset of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the new BMW iDrive is geared squarely towards touch operation and gesture control as well as dialogue using natural language.
The optional BMW Digital Key Plus enables customers to lock and unlock their new BMW X7 with their Apple iPhone via security-enhanced ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology. The new BMW X7 also allows customers to enjoy the benefits of optimised smartphone integration and a personalised BMW ID.