The fact that the all-new BMW X7 is here demonstrates that BMW felt the need to introduce the X7 to the South African market. Let’s put this SAV into perspective right from the beginning. It's big, it's tall, it's wide, but I am not too sure that this combination will lead to sexiness. It’s also very expensive, but I still enjoyed the SAV for a week and here are my impressions.
Is it a first?
The BMW X7 is the first car to fuse the presence, exclusivity and spaciousness of a luxury model with the agile and versatile driving properties expected of an SAV. The latest and largest model in the BMW X line-up brings a fresh sensation of space to the luxury segment, thanks to the impressive open expanses and top-class design of its interior and its state-of-the-art equipment features.
At the same time, the advanced powertrain and chassis technology of the X7 ensure it offers all the off-road prowess, excellent ride comfort and agile on-road handling for which SAVs are renowned.
Does size really matter?
According to BMW, size really does matter. The X7 is wider, higher and longer. At 5,151mm in length, 2,000mm wide and 1,805mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 3,105mm, the BMW X7 displays harmonious proportions and establishes itself very clearly as the new flagship of the BMW X model family. The new design language, dominated by precise lines and expansive surfaces, intensifies the car’s aura.
There is an exceptionally large kidney grille that leads to a very prominent front end. The unmistakeable kidney grille screams BMW and gives the SAV an undeniable sense of presence.
At the price at launch, I am not surprised that it comes with a host of standard features like the LED headlights, while the optional BMW Laser light has a high-beam range of up to 6metres and can be easily identified by the blue x-shaped elements inside the headlights. The car’s defining features, when viewed from the side, are its large windows, high ground clearance and long roofline.
Horizontal lines, slim LED lights and the two-section split tailgate emphasise the contemporary styling of the rear end. A generous sprinkling of chrome elements adds to the luxurious elegance of the BMW X7. The car is fitted as standard with 20-inch light-alloy wheels, while 21- and 22-inch variants are also available.
There are three rows of seats and a luxurious ambience in the new BMW X7. The roominess and versatility of the interior are underlined by the standard inclusion of three rows of seats, offering space for seven people in total.
I liked the fact that there are just two seats in the middle row, and the third-row seats up to three people, complete with armrests, cupholders and USB ports, however, there are no handles etc. to click on if you wanted to change the position of the seats as all seats are adjusted at the push of a button.
The boot capacity can be increased from 326 to a maximum of 2,120 litres, as required.
Carefully selected and meticulously crafted materials add to the feeling of luxury, as does the extensive standard specification.
The BMW X7 comes as standard with leather trim, four-zone automatic climate control, a three-section panoramic glass roof, and ambient lighting including the Welcome Light Carpet and Dynamic Interior Light. Among the highlights on the options, list are five-zone automatic climate control, the Ambient Air package, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, controls with glass applications, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the Rear-seat entertainment Professional system.
The powertrain technology is something to behold. The marriage of the muscular engine and eight-speed Steptronic transmission is simply sublime. Add the BMW xDrive and M Sport differential. The task of transferring their power onto either asphalt or loose terrain falls to the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system – complete with optimised efficiency. Ensuring even more dynamic handling is the M Sport differential at the rear axle, which brings electronically controlled locking.
The vehicle’s ground clearance can be varied by up to 80mm by either pressing a button or using the BMW Display Key to suit individual choices and circumstances. A number of chassis systems are available as options to further enhance comfort, agility and off-road performance. Integral Active Steering and the Executive Drive Pro system with active roll stabilisation deliver even more nimble handling and greater poise.
The new BMW X7’s commitment to progressive luxury is further underlined by the comprehensive array of driver assistance systems on hand to enhance comfort and safety. As well as the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, customers can also opt for the Driving Assistant Professional package comprising the Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, the Lane Change Assistant, the Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision protection, the evasion aid, Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning, and the Emergency Stop Assistant (not available in Europe). The standard Parking Assistant’s range of functions includes the Reversing Assistant.
BMW X7 xDrive30d SAV: R1,562,849
BMW X7 M50d SAV: R1,862,308
