Big, bold and beasty, are just a few of the words that can sum up the new, ‘refreshed’ X7, but it’s somehow elegant too. BMW’s mammoth 7-seater has a new face and increased technology taking its extravagance to the Xtreme.
In what is rapidly becoming an over-congested world, space is becoming the new luxury, which in turn makes this huge X7 arguably one of the most luxurious vehicles in the BMW line-up.
The X7 was first launched in 2019 and was introduced as the pinnacle of BMW’s X or SAV models. It not only carried 7-people to wherever they needed or wanted to be, but did it in style. The model is now in its mid-cycle and although the overall size and intention have remained the same, the German engineers have done more than give it a new lick of paint.
From the outside, the improvements have been predominantly based around the face. much of the changes are. The big kidney grille has been given an ‘iconic glow’ making it stand out both in daylight and at night. In fairness it’s not as impressive as seen in the new i7 but it’s more eye-catching than adding a few LEDs from Wish.
My model came with the coveted M-Badge on the grille too, plus a few Xtras on the side and rear, even though some M purists would argue that this is not really a thoroughbred M.
Aside from the grille, it’s the lighting arrangement change that gives this latest X7 its new look. The DRLs and headlights have been separated with the DRLs atop of the Matrix headlights and the latter being given an interpretation of the BMW ‘two headlight’ look. been
Obviously there are plenty of air ducts and curtains to enable airflow into the engine bay and around the huge SAV, but like I said in the outset, there is a dominant yet elegant look about it.
Being such a sizable vehicle means that it rides on equally sizable wheels, 23-inches in fact, but proportionally they look bang on, and as a bonus keep you firmly adhered to the road below.
My review model came in ‘Brooklyn Grey’ and to me it’s as cool a colour as the suburb itself, (thankfully, the big X7 lettering in the side came solely on the press vehicle). There’s blacked out mirror caps, privacy glass and of course a Hofmeister kink.
There’s not a huge amount of change that’s gone on around the rear but there are some stylish three-dimensional LEDs that are in their L shape design language, an M60i badge and quad exhaust tips that you can’t quite see (but do hear).
The kicker tailgate comes with a lower panel that you can open separately, you can raise and lower the suspension when loading heavier loads, the seats can be raised and lowered at the push of a button and even the tow bar stays out of sight until called upon – did I mention that this is a luxury vehicle?
Under the bonnet is a 4.4L Twin power V8 married to an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox so just a phenomenal combination that provides 390 kilowatts of power and 750 newton metres of torque, I mean that’s planet moving stuff. Zero to 100 is in 4.7 seconds which I want to let sink in – a sub 5s sprint in a massive seven seater.
Space and luxury are the key to the X7’s interior and added to that is technology. Three rows of leather-appointed furniture, oodles of leg and shoulder room and even a fair smattering of heated, ventilated and massage functionality.
My model came with a carbon-fibre style finish that worked in well with the piano blacks and chrome, and also had the Crafted Clarity option (crystal style iDrive and gear selector dials). I know it’s a small thing, but I was also impressed by the fact that you could heat or cool your drinks in the cup holders.
The big change though is the massive 29-inch (when off) slightly curved screen that is the combination of the instrument and infotainment screens. They are both incredibly personalisable in terms of look, and data, and loaded with apps and driver safety/comfort aids, including parking and reversing aids and countless ambient lighting colours. One thing (among many) that I really liked was the drive recorder, you can record your drive through all exterior cameras and download it later, so it’s like having surround dash cams.
Topping of the list of screens is a large (would it be any other size) head up display that happily ensures that you keep your eyes on the road while it relays info such as directions and speed.
Jumping to the 3rd row and although I’m not the tallest of chaps, my knees were not up near my face and there is actually plenty of legroom. The seats are heated, it has its own AC control and even has its own sunroof – not exactly what you’d call the ‘cheap seats’ that’s for sure.
Despite this being quite a big hefty seven seater it does get off the mark really well and under heavy revs it has a glorious (but a bit subdued) exhaust note. Around the corners it’s a well balanced unit, for some reason I was expecting it to be a little lollipy but the adaptive suspension hunkers down well and those fat feet are a blessing.
The eight-speed box is brutal when it (you) wants to be so when it’s changing up and it just gives this ‘kick up the pants’ boom when it goes into the next gear, it’s just so much fun, there are easy grab paddles for those that are keen for additional control but for me, Sport+ mode and auto does everything sublimely.
Realistically though, you’ll need to be careful with this X7, your licence is gonna go very quickly if you do play too hard with this vehicle.
Visibility all around is awesome and there’s also so much of semi-autonomous driving aids to ease the pain of highway driving, Lane keep assist, Adaptive cruise, Blind Spot… it’s all there and works well.
The beefy leather steering wheel is just lovely in the hand and the turning circle isn’t bad for such a big beast. And for those that have to park in tight spaces, it has a reversing memory that will retrace the last 50 metres. Oh and when not trying to make the most out of the V8, there is a brilliant Harman Kardon stereo system that is deafening when you want it to be.
The new facelifted BMW X7 M60 is a pricey vehicle for what is effectively a family/[people mover but I mean it really does move you and the family too. I love the soundtrack when you put your foot down but it’s just the refinement that comes with this SAV, the soft closing doors, the iconic glow, the luxury – if you’re looking for a range-topping Xtravagant SAV, the X7 marks the spot.
