Bmw X7

BMW X7

The growing ‘X’ range of capable sport utility vehicles (SUV) from BMW is crowned by the mighty X7, one of the most luxurious SUV’s around and one that rivals even the Range Rover.

The Exterior

Not only is the BMW X7 big on technology, it is also physically big, offering a commanding presence on the road. The side view shows clearly structured surfaces and a character line that rises up to the rear end and it is these elements that are part of the German company’s new design language. To make life easier for passengers, the rear doors are longer than the front doors for ease of getting in and out. Roof rails and the chrome trim strips that run around the door sills, add detail and are standard. Fully body-coloured wheel arches house light-alloy wheels in formats up to 22”.

Dominating the front end are adaptive LED headlights and front fog lamps which are standard across the different trim versions. An interesting option, and a worthwhile addition, at extra cost obviously, are BMW’s ‘Laserlights’. This system employs a spotlight with a selective beam that delivers a non-dazzling high-beam range of up to 600 metres, aiding night time vision.

21” light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design, are included on the entry model as standard. The M Sport model features extra-large air intakes, M-specific 21” light-alloy wheels and a distinctive look for the front apron, rear apron and side skirts. Trim elements in high-gloss chrome can be specified as an option, while further choices from the personalising ‘BMW Individual’ range include special metallic paint and 22” light-alloy wheels.

The Interior

Inside the versatile six- or seven-seat BMW X7 is a world of comfort, refinement and quality. There’s three rows of seats but buyers can instead option a pair of captain's chairs on the middle row. That makes it a six-seat car but does add plenty of adjustment and a pair of armrests, feeling more like the front seats in use.

Either way, the middle-row seats are electrically adjustable making them exceptionally comfortable and aiding moving them forward to access the rear row which also has Isofix child restraints. Behind the third row, the boot (trunk) is spacious with added electrically powered conveniences. The tailgate is horizontally split with both sections operating electrically. For lovers of the outdoors who like a picnic, the lower portion of the rear door is strong enough to be used as a seat.

It’s luxury all the way with Merino leather trim and the standard comfort seats for the driver and front passenger are heated and can be ordered with a ventilation function as an option. The seats in the second and third rows are also heated, while the front row can be specified with optional massage capability. With ‘BMW Individual’ the options for personalisation are enormous. There are so many variables to make the X7 truly your own.

Hi-fi is standard but systems from both Harman Kardon (16 speakers) and Bowers & Wilkins, with 20 speakers and a 1,500-watt amplifier, offer auditorium surround sound. The M Sport level also features an M Sport steering wheel, a ‘BMW Individual’ headliner in anthracite-coloured Alcantara, M-specific detailing for the pedals and driver’s footrest and plus exclusive interior trim strips. The list goes on and on.

Driving The BMW X7

Subsequent to launch, mild-hybrid systems for greater efficiency and fuel-saving were added to the small but capable engine line-up. Customers who want to import a new or used BMW X7 from the UK can enjoy a six-cylinder in-line petrol unit or one of a pair of six-cylinder in-line diesels with varying power outputs up to 400bhp.

All feature turbochargers and drive through eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Highly sophisticated, this gearbox has a wider gear ratio spread and new control electronics. This reduces engine speeds, particularly in higher gears, which helps to increase overall efficiency. Naturally, four-wheel drive is standard across the range; that’s the X in X7.

A suite of airbags throughout the car should ensure occupant safety, while a very wide array of safety and driver assistance tech is available, much as standard. For the driver, BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment is standard, with a 12.3” central screen and a similar sized digital instrument binnacle, operated via either a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice control or gestures.

Despite its size, the X7 drives like a BMW should and there’s an optional four-wheel steering choice that adds to the agility overall. Handling is great and there is very little body roll in corners. Although a car like this is unlikely to venture too far off-road, it is certainly capable of doing so especially with the xOffroad package added, featuring modes for sand, rocks, gravel and snow.

The BMW X7 may be a very prestigious vehicle but it has no problem getting onto tough terrain.

Is The X7 Reliable?

Time has shown that BMW build reliable cars, especially when it comes to the mechanical components such as engines and gearboxes. There should be no cause for concern so if the X7 seems like the right car then contact us here at MHH International for further details of how we can help.