Aniruddh Parmar
BMW has finally entered the seven seater SUV segment with the first ever X7. The X7 is BMW’s answer to the big SUVs from the competitors like the Mercedes GLS, Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. The new BMW X7 doesn’t only raises the scale in the size but also has the ultimate luxury inside.
Beginning from the looks, the X7 reflects the latest X5 SUV in a bigger size but has its own character too. The signature kidney grille at the front is there but in the squarish shape and BMW says its the largest kidney grille ever fitted to any of their production models, obviously. The slim twin headlights compliment the large grille at both ends. The side and rear profile of the X7 have been kept simple like any big SUV.
The biggest SUV of the brand measures at 5151 millimetres in length, 2000 millimetres in width wide and 1805 millimetres in height, with a wheelbase of 3105 millimetres. It stands on the big alloys available in the size of 20 to 22-inch.
Enter the cabin and you will see what luxury BMW was talking about. The cabin of the X7 keeps in line with the 7-series, but in the larger body. There’s a big 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to show the information needed to the driver while another 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is fitted at the center of the dashboard to control the infotainment, navigation and other functions.
The gear knob, iDrive control, drive mode controls and all other switches are placed elegantly in the center console surrounded by a beautifully finished wooden surface. The X7 gets a four-zone climate control system, a 10-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone charger and a WiFi hotspot. It also gets a three-panel panoramic sunroof to let plenty of natural light inside.
The rear seat is where the most owners are likely to seat. The X7 has a three-row configuration with the second row also available as two caption seats for more comfort and luxury. An additional infotainment system is available as an option that adds includes a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system and a rear-seat entertainment system with 10.2-inch touchscreen displays.
BMW says the third row has enough space and comfort to occupy adults with comfort on even a long journey. It also gets cup-holders and armrest for additional convenience. Both the second and third row seats are foldable and can increase the 1376 liters of boot space into a massive 2560 liters. It gets a two-section electrically operated tail-gate as standard.
The new BMW X7 comes with four engine options, varying depending upon the country it will be sold in:
1. X7 xDrive40i
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 335 hp/ 446 Nm
- 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.8 seconds
- Top speed: 209 km/h or 245 km/h in Europe
2. X7 xDrive50i
- Twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 456 hp/648 Nm
- 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.2 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h
3. X7 xDrive30d
- 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel with 261 hp/620 Nm
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.0 seconds
- Top speed: 227 km/h
3. X7 M50d
- Quad-turbo 3.0-liter turbodiesel with 395 hp/760 Nm
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.4 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h
All the engines come mated with an improvised 8-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel drive system.
Source: BMW