The X7 is a successful model for BMW. The fat giant SUV brought new customers to the Munich automaker. The 5.18-metre-long and two-metre-wide giant was expected to find large numbers of buyers in the US and China. However, it was also a great sales success in Europe and far exceeded BMW’s expectations. 1,271 units have been sold in Switzerland since its launch three years ago. This means that it surpassed its rivals Mercedes GLS and Range Rover in this period.
Despite this continued success, BMW has decided to revamp its top-selling luxury car this year. There are two reasons for this, explains product manager Marco Möller. “First, the improvements should ensure the X7 remains successful.” The second reason has given rise to an almost entirely new look. “We adapted the front to the design of the new 7 Series and i7 to show that these luxury models belong together.”
new face
The new X7 front looks correspondingly strong. The radiator grille kidney is enlarged and can be illuminated if desired, while the LED daytime running lights have shrunk into narrow slits. These include standard matrix headlights with integrated fog lights. There are also narrower LED lights at the rear. In addition, BMW is equipping the X7 with a new cockpit and new engines, making it the most comprehensive model refresh in Munich.
Inside, BMW replaces the screens with the curved one introduced in the iX. Additionally, the bulky gear selector is eliminated, making room for a filigree switch. The new air ducts fit better on the dashboard. Too bad the plastic lever for adjusting the nozzles can’t keep up with the rest of the quality in the stylish interior. The space remains lush, but the standard third row of seats is only suitable for children. The X7 is also optionally available as a six-seater with two separate seats in the second row.
The new 530 horsepower V8
BMW has cleared the drivers and offers only three instead of five. One diesel and two petrol engines deliver 352 to 530 hp (259 to 390 kW). “If we are already developing new combustion engines in the electric age, they need to be precisely adapted to the needs of our customers,” explains Möller. All now have a 48-volt mild hybrid system. A crankshaft starter generator is integrated into the eight-speed automatic and provides an additional 12 hp (9 kW) and 200 Nm as an electric motor.
We start the test drive with the 4.4-liter V8 biturbo on the top model. The revised petrol engine delivers 530 hp (390 kW) and sends a maximum torque of 750 Nm to all four wheels. Accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, the X7 isn’t bad for a 2.7-ton giant! The 12.1-liter V8 is accordingly waterless. The maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h.
Driving safely
The minimal electric boost eliminates any turbo lag and always provides ample thrust in the massive vehicle. Standard adaptive air suspension ensures a comfortable ride. Optional roll stabilization prevents the X7 from leaning around corners, and optional rear axle steering makes maneuvering easier.
Of course, 2.7 tons cannot be hidden, especially on the brakes. But all in all, the new X7 drives very confidently. The prices are accordingly confident as well. The price of the BMW X7 is at least 119,900 francs. 154,400 francs will already be paid for the M60i with V8.