Top 10: Facts about the new BMW X7

After seemingly years of speculation, BMW has finally launched the X7. Here are ten key things to know about the brand’s flagship SUV.

1. The dimensions are large

Measuring 5,151 mm (202.8”) long, 2,000 mm (78.7”) wide (excluding the door mirrors) and 1,805 mm (71.1”) tall, the X7 is certainly a big thing. By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLS – an obvious rival – is 5,162 mm (203.2”) long, 1,982 mm (78.0”) wide and 1,850 mm (72.8”) tall.

2. Imposing styling is likely to divide opinion

Actually, careful surface detailing plus considered proportions mean that the side and rear views are perfectly acceptable. The potential problem sits at the front, where an oversized and rather ugly double-kidney grille totally dominates.

BMW X7 (2019) Front Side

3. There are seven seats

An ability to accommodate seven adults is the X7’s primary reason for existing. Therefore, the interior features three rows with seating arranged in a 2-3-2 format. If individual space rather than places is the priority, then the middle bench can be replaced with two individual chairs. Luggage capacity ranges from 326 litres to 2,120 litres.

4. A glass roof is fitted as standard

To give the cabin an airy ambience, a three-part, power-operated, panoramic glass roof provides plenty of natural light. Four-zone automatic climate control should keep the temperature comfortable enough, but if that’s insufficient then five-zone automatic climate control and Ambient Air scent infusion are on the options list.

BMW X7 (2019) Interior

5. Three engines are available in Europe

The lack of a hybrid powertrain is a puzzling omission that will probably alienate many prospective customers. Instead, the line-up comprises a trio of conventional, six-cylinder, turbocharged units.

Model X7 xDrive30d X7 xDrive40i X7 M50d
Engine 2,993 cc
diesel
2,998 cc
petrol
2,993 cc
diesel
Power 261 bhp
(195 kW / 265 PS)
335 bhp
(250 kW / 340 PS)
394 bhp
(294 kW / 400 PS)
Torque 620 Nm
(457 lb/ft)
450 Nm
(331 lb/ft)
760 Nm
(560 lb/ft)
0-62 mph (100 km/h) 7.0 secs 6.1 secs 5.4 secs
Top speed 141 mph
(227 km/h)
152 mph
(245 km/h)
155 mph
(250 km/h)
Combined cycle 43.5 mpg
(6.5 l/100km)
32.5 mpg
(8.7 l/100km)
40.4 mpg
(7.0 l/100km)
CO2 emissions 171 g/km 198 g/km 185 g/km

Selected territories outside of Europe are also due to get the X7 xDrive50i. This version boasts a 4,395 cc turbocharged petrol V8 that produces 455 bhp (340 kW / 462 PS) with 650 Nm (479 lb/ft) of peak torque. While a 0-62 mph time of 5.4 seconds sounds good, the 24.7 mpg (11.4 l/100km) and 261 g/km efficiency figures are less palatable.

6. Just one transmission is being offered

Regardless of the engine chosen, the X7 is equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

BMW X7 (2019) Rear Side

7. All variants have all-wheel drive

Torque is usually delivered to the rear axle under normal highway conditions. However, when required, the xDrive all-wheel drive system can direct output to the front too. Furthermore, self-levelling air suspension allows the ride height to be increased by up to 40 mm (1.5”) when traversing rough terrain.

Anybody who envisages leaving tarmac on a regular basis might want to consider the optional Off-Road package. As well as an electronically-controlled rear differential lock, this includes front under-body protection and four special driving modes.

8. There are no conventional instruments

Under the umbrella of BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the dashboard incorporates a digital instrument cluster and a centrally-mounted configurable Control Display. Each element has its own 12.3” screen.

BMW X7 (2019) Dashboard

9. Prices start at £72,155

BMW has already confirmed the following on-the-road prices:
  • X7 xDrive30d – £72,155
  • X7 xDrive40i – £74,155
  • X7 M50d – £87,240
To give those amounts some context, the aforementioned Mercedes-Benz GLS currently costs from £73,940 to £106,870.

10. Deliveries begin in 2019

The X7 – which will be manufactured at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina – is scheduled to arrive at UK dealers during April 2019.

BMW X7 (2019) Side

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