New-look BMW X7 debuts

THE BMW X7, which introduced the world to the brand’s oversized version of the double-kidney grille, now sports a horizontally split LED lighting signature that endows the Munich-based brand’s upper large SUV with a better proportioned front-end design. 

The revised model debuted at the New York Show and, according to BMW Australia, it will be introduced here (in xDrive40d- and X7 M60i xDrive guises) at the end of year.

Although the cosmetic update looks quite dramatic, the changes pertain mostly to the front of the car, where the familiar composite headlight clusters have been substituted with horizontally split LED lighting elements.

The slimline upper modules house daytime running lights and turn signal indicators, while, below them, the adaptive matrix LED headlights (with non-dazzling high beam, adaptive light distribution, as well as front fog-light functionality) have dark housings and are embedded in the BMW’s bumper.

The large kidney grille gains an Iconic Glow illuminated grille on the M60i xDrive (optional on the xDrive40d), while the rear end features new LED tail-light clusters with 3D graphics and a glass-covered chrome bar. BMW has also updated the model’s M Sport package.

Sparkling Copper Grey metallic has been added to the X7’s exterior colour palette, with 

M Marina Bay Blue metallic paint available exclusively for the M60i xDrive. Plus, optional 23-inch light-alloy wheels are available ex-factory for the first time on a BMW model.

Inside, the X7 still seats seven occupants as standard, but, as before, can be specified as a six-seater with two comfort seats in the second row.

The front of the cabin is characterised by a new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, slim air vents, an ambient light bar on the dash fascia (includes LED backlit graphics with X7 lettering – or the M logo, in the M60i xDrive), as well as a redesign gear selector. 

The 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system runs on the BMW Operating System 8.

As well as four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass sunroof and hi-fi system, the standard equipment list includes front comfort seats, leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and a new tray for wirelessly charging compatible mobile phones, BMW says.

Highlights of the options list include the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof (illuminated by LED units), the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and newly designed Travel & Comfort System, active seat ventilation and a massage function for the driver and front passenger and, if the new Comfort Package is specified, the second- and third row seats can also be heated, as can the steering wheel rim and the front armrests.

Every powertrain in the revised X7 line-up now includes 48V mild-hybrid technology and a crankshaft-mounted starter generator that’s integrated into the vehicle’s transmission, which, BMW Australia says, is a first for BMW vehicles offered in our market.

The 259kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the xDrive40d can produce up to 720Nm of torque with the assistance of the mild-hybrid system, while the range-topping M60i xDrive’s twin-turbo 4.4-litre petrol V8 produces peak outputs of 390kW and 750Nm.

All engines are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission (in combination with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles) and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The adaptive two-axle air suspension is complemented by electronically controlled dampers, while the new M60i xDrive comes standard with Integral Active Steering, the Executive Drive system with active roll stabilisation and an M Sport rear differential.

In terms of safety equipment, the X7’s front-collision warning system offers an extended range of functions, while an exit-warning function has been added.

Moreover, additional driver assistance features have also been added to the package, including Parking- (standard in Australia), Trailer-, Reversing- and Manoeuvre Assistant. 

BMW Australia says that it has sold about 2500 examples of the X7 since 2019 and saw a 40 per cent year-on-year increase in sales of the model in Q1 2022. Pricing and specs of the updated variants will be announced closer to the time of their arrival, BMW says.