At the halfway point of the model cycle, the new BMW X7 presents itself with a significantly revised front end. Immediately noticeable is the radiator grille, which has been significantly enlarged compared to the previous version, and the extremely narrow and elongated daytime running lights give BMW’s SUS flagship an almost martial appearance. The complete front apron, which completes the striking face of the luxury SUV, is also completely new.

The 13.2-inch instrument panel and the 14.9-inch touchscreen, which contains the latest generation of the BMW Infortainment System IDrive, dominate the narrow dashboard. The centre console has also been completely redesigned. Instead of the large gear selector lever, many small switches are now integrated. The panoramic glass roof new now consists of three elements. Animal rights activists are sure to be thrilled that BMW is also offering vegan leather-like seat covers as standard for the new X7. Compared to the massive innovations at the front, the rear of the seven-seater has only been slightly revised, with only the more filigree design of the rear people clearly differing from the predecessor model. Three engine variants are available for the market launch of the revised X7, all of which feature hybrid technology. The top model of the new X7 is the M60i, a 4.4-litre V8 engine with 530 hp/ torque 750 Nm and twin-turbo charging and a sports exhaust system fitted as standard, the sound of which is thrilling.

The engine accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, a value that is identical to the predecessor model M50i V8 xDrive. The two entry-level variants in the new X7 series are the two inline six-cylinder engines with three litres of displacement in the X7 xDrive40i and the xDrive40d. The petrol engine in the xDrive40i has 380 hp and a maximum torque of 520 Nm. It accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. The 340 hp diesel model (system output with mild hybrid 352 hp) has also been revised and now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

The entry price for the petrol model is €97,700. The price for the X7 M50i starts at €122,000 in the basic version.

Photo credit: BMW