The First-Ever BMW X7 Takes Effortless-Wafty Comfort Off The Beaten Path

The new X7 is offered in two seating formats, a luxurious 6-seater and a 7-seater, the latter which offers up a little more practicality. Customers will also have a choice of two versions, Design Pure Excellence and M Sport. The M Sport version features larger air intakes, 22-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design and a distinctive look for the front apron, rear apron, and side skirts. Additional design elements in High-gloss Black or Black Chrome (the latter a shade reserved for BMW’s luxury-class models), adds to the M Sport version’s sporting aura.

Powering the X7 xDrive40i is BMW’s proven TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line petrol engine; good for 340hp and 450Nm from an expansive range of 1,500rpm to 5,200rpm. Drive to the four wheels is through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission – its most recent incarnation boasts a wider gear ratio spread and new control electronics. The reworked transmission reduces engine speeds, particularly in higher gears, which in turn helps to increase the drive system’s overall efficiency. New torsion dampers fitted to the transmission, helps to reduce rotational irregularities in the powertrain, resulting in a more comfortable ride with smoother gear changes.

The xDrive system fitted on the X7, is rear-biased for a more dynamic drive. Full drive power however, can be directed to only the rear wheels for added fuel efficiency.

At a length of 5,151mm, width of 2,000mm, and a wheelbase of 3,105mm, BMW’s new SAV delivers a commanding road presence. BMW has however mentioned that the X7 may be a large vehicle, but drives like something smaller. The Integral Active Steering, essentially four-wheel steering, enables the X7 to keep its turning circle relatively small, while the same steering system contributes to the X7’s high-speed stability, by steering in the same direction when switching lanes. The latter delivers stability of a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.

Those who do like a spirited drive can opt for the Executive Drive Pro package which adds active roll stabilisation to the X7’s already good handling.

The X7’s self-levelling air suspension not only provides optimum comfort, but also lowers the car by 20mm from speeds above 138km/h (not that we will often hit that on our roads here). The suspension also can be lowered by 40mm for easier access to the boot. The lowering process can be done either within the car or via the display key.

Driver assistance suites which enhance safety and comfort includes systems like the Driving Assistant Professional System includes the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant including the Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection. The Reversing Assistant, which can also be found on the new 3 Series helps to back the X7 out of a tight path recently taken, to a maximum distance of 50 meters.

To make ease of tight situations, the X7 also features Steering and Lane Control Assistant. Its sensitive hands-on-wheel detection is able to recognise brief touches to the wheel, while the car is able to help steer through tight situations; essentially bringing semi-autonomous drive capabilities to a new level. The system also includes an interior camera which monitors the position of the driver’s head, to determine if attention is paid to the surroundings, and extends the length of time without hand contact to the wheel to a maximum of 60 seconds.

Interior options include BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim or bi-colour BMW Individual Merino full leather trim in Ivory White/Midnight Blue. BMW Individual fine wood interior trim strips are also available in two different styles.

Buyers also have the option of specifying the X7 as a six-seater, where the middle row features two extremely comfortable individual seats in a captain’s chair setup; offering the same electric seating adjustments as the front seats. Climate control, while commonplace for second row passengers, is also extended to those seated at the third row. Seats at the rear offer up ample thigh support, which is rather rare in cars with three seating rows.

The BMW Operating System 7.0. Is included with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, and comprises of two 12.3-inch screens – a digital instrument cluster, and a Control Display; the system also features Gesture Control, now with two added gestures. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant takes ownership experience to a higher level, responding to the voice activated prompt of “Hey BMW”. The system also “learns” routines and habits, and is subsequently able to apply them in the appropriate context. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant also attends to the wellbeing of drivers, by toggling various functions – such as the air conditioning, seat massage, fragrance or music – to refresh or relax the driver while he/she is at the wheel.

Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine,
TwinScroll turbocharger,
High Precision Direct Injection,
VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control,
Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing
Capacity: 2,998 cc.
Output: 340 hp at 5,500 – 6,500 rpm.
Torque: 450 Nm at 1,500 – 5,200 rpm.
Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h): 6.1 seconds.
Top speed: 245 km/h.
CO2 emissions: 217 g/km.

The BMW X7 xDrive40i is now available, starting at : $471,888*

*Accurate as at 11 May 2019

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