Watch out Range Rover, this is the BMW X7, the largest and most expensive SUV BMW has ever produced, and designed to rock the established elite. As its badge suggests, the X7 is intended to be just as luxurious as the 7 Series saloon, while appealing to those who find a higher seating position even more statesmanlike. Arriving next spring, the X7 will cost from £72,155 with a diesel engine.
Measuring 5,151mm from bumper to bumper, the imposing X7 is longer than the Range Rover, albeit slightly lower, and features a design that’s a clear evolution of the BMW X5. Everything here is stretched, though, from the length of the wheelbase to a new take on the iconic kidney grille, that’s now much taller and looks set to filter across the range. It sits between slim adaptive LED headlights, with the option to upgrade to BMW Laserlights that shine up to 600 metres down the road.
The interior is fitted with a large, angular fascia and wide centre console, showing off the sheer breadth of the cabin. Two 12.3-inch digital screens provide a wealth of information, serving as both an instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and mounted on the dashboard for infotainment and navigation. Nods to the X7’s luxury include a ‘Crafted Clarity’ glass gear selector, start/stop button and audio controls, along with options like Merino leather trim and wood inlays. Light can also flood into the cabin thanks to a three-section panoramic sunroof. It has a trick at night too, with graphics and LED lights that allow 15,000 points to illuminate, resembling a starry sky.
“Customers can also choose to have two individual seats in the middle row instead of a three-seat bench, making the X7 a luxurious six-seater.”
Thanks to its increased length, the X7 has three rows of seats, that BMW says offers space for up to seven adults, with two “full-size seats with space between them” in the third row. Customers can also choose to have two individual seats in the middle row instead of a three-seat bench, making the X7 a luxurious six-seater. In either case the middle row can slide electrically, and raising and lowering back seats is all powered via a control panel. Even with all seven seats in place there’s a 326-litre boot, expanding to a maximum of 2,120 litres. Air suspension means the ride height can also be lowered to make loading easier.
Two diesel powertrains will be offered: the xDrive30d with 261bhp, a 7.0 second 0-62mph time, 43.5mpg and emissions of 171g/km, and the powerful M50d. The latter increases the price considerably, from £72,155 to £87,240, but power also jumps to 395bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds makes it the fastest X7 available at its launch. Fuel economy only dips to 40.4mpg, while CO2 emissions climb to 185g/km. Every X7 will be fitted with four-wheel drive as standard, an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox and air suspension. The M50d also gets an M Sport differential that’s said to reduce understeer, improve corner exit speeds and help the X7 find traction on loose surfaces. An Off- Road Package will also be available for anyone looking to take their X7 into the rough stuff, adding a button on the console with xSnow, xSand, xGravel and xRocks driving modes, allowing the driver to tailor the vehicle’s settings.
