After another long lead-in, BMW has revealed its new flagship seven-seat SUV, the X7.
It’s a sizable unit, the X7 measures 5151mm long, 2000mm wide and 1805mm high with a 3105mm wheelbase.
The front end is dominated by a comically sized kidney grille, BMW claims it’s the largest in the brand’s history.
Exterior features include LED headlights, 20-inch light-alloy wheels, two-section split tailgate and chrome edging.
BMW is quick to spruik the roominess and versatility of the interior. Third-row passengers get full-size seats complete with armrests, cupholders and USB ports.
All seats are adjusted electrically at the push of a button while the boot capacity can be increased from 326 to a maximum of 2120 litres.
Vernasca leather trim, four-zone automatic climate control, a three-section panoramic glass roof and ambient lighting package are all standard.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional is fitted as standard, the system consists of two 12.3-inch digital screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. BMW’s new Intelligent Personal Assistant will be included from March 2019.
At launch, the engine range includes the turbocharged petrol xDrive40i inline-six (250kW/450Nm) and the xDrive50i V8 (340kW/650Nm). Interestingly, the V8 petrol isn’t available in Europe.
There’s also a pair of inline-six turbo-diesels - the xDrive30d (195kW/620Nm) and the xDriveM50d (294kW/760Nm).
All engine options are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system. An electronically controlled M Sport differential is standard on the M50d and optional on the 50i and 40i.
For those who don’t mind getting their X7 dirty, BMW will offer an off-road package for all variants aside from the M50d. The package includes an extra button to switch four additional driving modes – xSand, xGravel, xRocks and xSnow.
The X7 will come packing plenty of safety tech including Emergency Stop Assistant which is designed for situations where the driver becomes incapacitated. If the worst happens, a passenger can activate the system by pulling the electric parking brake switch which will bring the vehicle to a standstill either in the current lane or on the side of the road.
Any necessary lane-change manoeuvres can be performed automatically when travelling at 70-100km/h. Clever.
There is no word yet on which models will be available in Australia at launch next year. Full specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the X7’s local debut in the second quarter of 2019.
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