ELEGANT GRAVITAS
The new BMW X7 strikes a pose that is as stately as it is technologically advanced.
You’re unlikely to miss a BMW X7 on the road. Its distinctive presence is everything you expect from a high-end full-size SUV from one of the premier car manufacturers in the world. The recent tweaks to the car reflect BMW’s constant search for improvement.
By ticking the boxes in luxury, spaciousness and versatility, the BMW X7 has earned its position as a much sought-after model in its class. As the largest X model, it’s proposition of on-road elegance and off-road capability is a mark of BMW to combine form with function.
From its aesthetics, the new BMW X7 does not disappoint. The newly structured front end picks up on signature BMW design cues such as the twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. At the rear, the progressive style of the extremely slim light units come with three-dimensional sculpting. The elegant chrome bar connecting the rear lights on the new BMW X7 is enclosed within an classy looking glass cover.
BMW’s engineers have put much thought into the lighting aspects of the car. The BMW X7 debuts split headlights, which consist of horizontal LED light elements set higher up in the front end house the position light, daytime driving lights, and turn signal indicators. The LED units located below them for the low-beam and high- beam headlights give the impression of retreating into the background with their dark housing and deeply embedded position in the front apron, and only come to the fore when activated. The new adaptive matrix LED headlights with non- dazzling high beam and adaptive light distribution also provide the functionality of front fog lights with their automatic bad weather light.
Under the hood, the latest-generation six-cylinder in-line engine is offered in the model available in Singapore as the BMW X7 xDrive40i. Innovations aplenty enhance the combustion process, gas exchange, valve control, injection and ignition system for better performance and efficiency. The output of the new engine reaches 381hp (48hp up on the predecessor), while peak torque rises by 90Nm to 540Nm thanks in part to a 48V mild hybrid system. This form of electrification consists of a crankshaft-mounted starter generator integrated into the transmission and contributes an extra 9 kW/12 hp of output and an extra 200 Nm of torque.
The engine is mated to the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Sprint function. Engine power is channelled to the road – or unsurfaced terrain, if required – via the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive through 21-inch light- alloy wheels. The adaptive two-axle air suspension teams up as standard with electronically controlled dampers to deliver signature BMW dynamic prowess combined with excellent comfort on long journeys.
The interior of the BMW X7 is designed to give a sense of space across the three rows of seats. The five-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass sunroof with aluminium satin roof rails, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and comfort seats for driver and front passenger with active seat ventilation and massage function answers all questions regarding how to make comfort and luxury key aspects of the car’s internal aesthetics. Throw in a sport leather steering wheel, and a new tray for wireless smartphone charging and you have the icing on top.
The instrument panel also gets a new design, now with its slim air vents and an ambient light bar included as standard in the lower section. The BMW Curved Display with Operating System 8 further provides a modern style enhanced by progressive digitalisation in the cockpit. The innovative light bar complements the likewise standard ambient light. Its effective backlighting – with the help of LED units and a graphic including “X7” lettering – is an integral element of the situation-based light effects and enhances the aura of exclusivity inside the cabin. The gear selector lever is also given a new and cutting-edge design, and is encased in glass thanks to the Crafted Clarity feature.
The BMW X7 is as safe and easy to drive as ever. With the Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Professional packages fitted as standard, the front-collision warning system reduces the danger of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming vehicles when turning. The exit warning function alerts occupants to a risk of collision when opening the door. The Reversing Assistant has also been updated to take over the job of steering the car for a distance of up to 200m.
The BMW X7 is available in Singapore in two trims – the BMW X7 xDrive40i and the BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport. The latter trim includes M roof rails in high-gloss Shadowline, M Aerodynamics package (including aerodynamic front and rear aprons as well as side sill covers in body colour, an M headliner in Alcantara anthracite, and an M leather steering wheel), 22-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke bi- colour style, and M Sport brakes.
