New BMW X7 Revealed
BMW has released the updated version of one of their flagship vehicles, the X7. Encompassing intricate design, exclusivity, versatility and space, the X7 has managed to cement itself as a success in the luxury segment. Now, the unique character profile of the brand’s largest Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) has been revamped thanks to extensive design refinements, which much work done to the front end. A new-look M Sport package, light-alloy wheels measuring up to 23 inches (an ex-factory first for BMW) and the latest-generation iDrive control/operation system including BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8 are some notable features you will find on this vehicle. The new BMW X7 also comes with a further expanded range of standard equipment, additional driver assistance systems and the latest 48V mild hybrid technology for the two engine variants offered.
The new X7 will be produced at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the home of BMW X models in the US state of South Carolina. The worldwide market launch for the new BMW X7 will get underway in August 2022.
The Exterior
The X7 model embraces both on-the-road elegance and off-road ability. Extensive design modifications enhance above all the visual individuality of the largest BMW X model better. 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 are making their debut in the new BMW X7. The horizontal LED light elements set higher up in the front end house the position light, daytime driving lights and turn signal indicators. The LED units located below them 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.
At the rear end, the style of the extremely slim light units, which now have three-dimensional sculpting, is accentuated. The chrome bar connecting the rear light units on the new BMW X7 is enclosed within an exquisite glass cover.
The optional, newly designed M Sport package shines an even brighter spotlight on the dynamic driving properties of the BMW X7. And M-specific design features for the exterior and interior also clearly emphasise the performance attributes of the BMW X7 M60i xDrive. The M Marina Bay Blue metallic paint finish can be ordered exclusively for the BMW M model. Another new addition to the range of exterior colours is Sparkling Copper Grey metallic. 20-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard on the new BMW X7. Optional 23-inch light-alloy wheels are available aftermarket for the first time for a BMW model.
Equipment
The new BMW X7 has three rows of seats, making it very practical and spacious. The second row accommodates three passengers as standard and offers two particularly comfortable individual seats as an option. Heated seats are provided as standard for the driver and front passenger.
More comprehensive features include a four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass sunroof and Harman Kardon sound, 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 the 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.
Engine varients and the mild hybrid technology
The engine range is headed by a new 4.4-litre petrol V8 for the range-topping BMW X7 M60i xDrive, which is derived from the engines powering the high-performance cars coming out of BMW M GmbH. This results in 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque.
The six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the new BMW X7 xDrive40d produces 259 kW/720 Nm with the input of the mild hybrid system.
The most important shared feature of the two engines is the integration of new-generation 48V mild hybrid technology. This form of electrification consists of a crankshaft-mounted starter generator integrated into the transmission and contributes an extra 9 kW of output and an extra 20 Nm of torque. All of the engines partner with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Sprint function. Engine power is channelled to the road or unsurfaced terrain via the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive.
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 operating system. It is based on BMW Operating System 8 and comprises 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 new BMW X7 will be available in South Africa from the final quarter of 2022.
