After a teaser at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, BMW has revealed the final form of its new X7 SUV.
The X7 will slot in right at the top of the BMW range as the largest and most expensive model available. Coming in at over 200 inches long, 78 inches wide and nearly six feet high, it’s not exactly a city car.
At launch, BMW will fit the X7 with a choice of three six-cylinder engines, and a petrol V8 for the US market. There’s diesel power for the entry-level 261hp xDrive30d and range-topping 394hp M50d, while the 335hp xDrive40i and 456hp xDrive50i (not available in Europe) will use petrol. In all cases, the X7 drives an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the xDrive all-wheel drive system.
For the X7 the xDrive system will vary the front:rear torque split, with full power to the rear wheels when extra traction isn’t needed. The M50d also features an electronically controlled M Sport differential, as does the Off-Road package.
That adds the drive mode select system, allowing the driver to choose between four off-road settings. The Off-Road package isn’t available on the M50d model. Other optional extras include an active steering system, which turns the rear wheels for stability or maneuverability, and an active roll system to improve ride comfort.
The X7 also features five-stage air suspension system. This allows the driver to raise the car by up to 1.6 inches above standard ride height, in two steps, if necessary; the driver can set this even when the car is off, from the cabin and also remotely with the digital key. At speeds above 86mph, the X7 automatically lowers by 0.8 inches. There’s also a loading mode, which drops the car by 1.6 inches with a button in the luggage compartment.
With all seven seats in place, that luggage compartment is 326 liters, rising to 2,120 liters with the second and third rows stowed. The second row is either a conventional three-seat bench or, as an option, a pair of individual seats. These will have the same range of functions and adjustment as the front seats, and include additional comfort cushions and arm rests. Naturally, everything is electric, even the third row and the split-opening tailgate.
You can expect a fleet of other electronic gizmos too. There’s standard four-zone climate control, with an option five-zone system covering the third row of seats. All seven seats have standard heating, in standard Merino leather, with cooling and massage seats optional for the front pair. A wireless mobile phone charging pad is also standard.
All X7s have a standard panoramic glass roof. This features a “Sky Lounge” option which adds LED lighting and can display 15,000 patterns. There’s also a standard ten-speaker audio system, with a 16-speaker system as an option. Rear seat entertainment is also optional, with 10.2-inch touchscreens, BluRay player, USB ports and two headphone jacks. There’s a standard one-year subscription to Apple CarPlay.
Also standard is the BMW personal assistant. This is a voice-controlled digital assist similar to those found on smart phones. It can offer help on vehicle functions, but also adjust settings and systems. It learns driver preferences and routines, setting the car and navigation systems as appropriate, and you can even give it a name of its own.
Of course there’s myriad driver assist systems too. There’s a standard park assist system, which includes a 360° system and a curious out-of-body experience with a remote 3D view function. A reversing assistant system will back the car up out of confined spaces along the same path it took on the way in, for up to 50 meters (55 yards) at 5.5mph.
Driving Assistant provides cruise control with braking, collision and pedestrian warning and city braking. There’s an optional active cruise system which can bring the car to a stop, and get it moving again if the obstacle has moved within 30 seconds. You’ll also get steering and lane keep assist, and a lane change assist which operates with the indicator stalk.
The BMW X7 is on sale from March 2019 in the US and April 2019 in Europe. Prices in the UK start at £72,155 for the xDrive30d, and the xDrive40i starting the US range off at $73,900.
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