BMW X7 – Go Big Or Go Home

By Andre Rowell

Of course, we all know that SUVs have become the go-to vehicle of choice for automotive consumers these days and the automotive industry has answered the demand with a huge range of options. None, though more comprehensive than BMW’s X series. And the latest to the lineup, the X7 does a great job of lifting the bar.

At over 5 metres in length, 2 metres wide and almost as tall, the BMW X7 is, technically speaking, a pretty “chunky beast” but it is in a way that is harmonious in its proportions. The X7 also benefits from BMW’s new design language which features precise lines and expansive surfaces, prominent front end and exceptionally large BMW kidney grille.

Underneath all of this chunky beauty is some incredible technology and power. The line-up of engines available comprises of a newly developed petrol V8 in the BMW X7 xDrive50i, a six-cylinder in-line petrol unit for the BMW X7 xDrive40i and a pair of six-cylinder in-line diesels to power the BMW X7 xDrive30d and BMW X7 M50d M Performance model. The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology for the petrol engines comprises of turbocharging, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. On the diesel side, the raft of technological measures includes turbochargers and common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors. All the engines channel their power via an eight- speed Steptronic transmission. This power is harnessed into movement via the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, a newly developed, precisely tuned chassis technology and adaptive suspension with electronically-controlled dampers, and air springs at both axles. The vehicle’s ground clearance can be varied by up to 80 millimetres to suit the situation at hand – by either pressing a button or using the BMW Display Key.

An Off-Road package is also available for all model variants, aside from the BMW X7 M50d. This package includes an extra button for choosing between four driving modes – xSand, xGravel, xRocks and xSnow. These modes prepare the car for the surface in question by activating the ideal settings for ride height, the xDrive system, accelerator and transmission responses, and DSC inputs.

Inside the BMW X7 comes as standard with Vernasca leather trim, four-zone automatic climate control, a three-section panoramic glass roof, and ambient lighting including the Welcome Light Carpet and Dynamic Interior Light. Among the highlights on the options list are five-zone automatic climate control, the Ambient Air package, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, controls with glass applications, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the Rear-seat Entertainment Professional system. Standard specs also include the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent, digital helper that responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”.

This mix of performance, luxury, technology and design has always been a part of the X Series DNA, but even in this high performing family, the X7 really stands out.

As Seen on M2Magazine.co.nz