The X7, the biggest, boldest, and brashest machine ever conceived by Bavarian luxury vehicle brand BMW, competes against luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover Autobiography, Lexus LX, Infiniti QX, and the upcoming Audi Q9, and according to BMW is the first car to fuse presence, exclusivity, and spaciousness with agile, versatile driving properties.
Its dimensions, with a length of 5,1 metres and a wheelbase of 3,1 metres, clearly establishes it as the new head of the BMW X-family and precise styling and expansive surfaces intensify its authoritative aura. Large windows, a high ground clearance, a long roofline, and large wheels (20-inch light-alloy wheels are standard, with 21- and 22-inch variants as options), slim LED lights, and a two-section split tailgate at the back (as found on the X5) emphasises its contemporary styling.
The opulence continues inside with three rows of electrically adjustable seats, a capacious boot, interior materials and trim consisting of high-quality Vernasca leather, four-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic glass roof, and ambient lighting. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, comprising a fully digital instrument cluster and a Control Display, is fitted as standard.
The X7 will be available with two engine options when launched here in March – two three-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel derivatives with outputs of 195 kW in the X7 xDrive30d and 294 kW in the X7 M50d – coupled with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive. Prices for the duo, according to the local website of the company, will be R1,562,849 for the xDrive30d and R1,862,308 for the flagship M50d.
– Ferdi de Vos
