By Otsile Kadiege

After countless spyshots and leaked images surfacing on the internet, BMW finally revealed the updated X7. The refreshed luxo-barge on stilts gains an expressive new look, new technologies, newly developed engines, an expanded selection of driving aids and a list of standard features.

Exterior design

New to the exterior of the updated BMW X7, and perhaps a big talking point, is its front-end – particularly its horizontally split headlights with the top part featuring L-shaped design doubling as daytime running lights and turn signals whilst the bottom section comes standard with adaptive matrix LED headlights. The headlights are flanked by a prominent grille with the optional Iconic Glow. The lower section of the front bumper has been reworked and now features two air inlets. Its side profile remains unchanged however, customers can now opt for large 23-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels.

Noticeable changes to the rear include rear lights with 3D design and side graphic and an elegant chrome strip under the glass. As standard, the BMW X7’s exterior package is Design Pure Excellence with chrome accents all-round and BMW Individual wheels. The X7 M60i replaces the chrome with gloss black accents, M carbon fibre side mirrors, 21-inch M light-alloy wheels with blue coated brake callipers, M badging, an exclusive M Marina Bay Blue metallic paint finish and quad exhaust tips.

Interior design and technology

Stepping inside, the prominent change is a new BMW Curved Display seamlessly integrating a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display. It’s running on BMW’s latest operating system – iDrive 8. Also new to the X7 are illuminated ambient light bar with X7 / M graphic, a new select lever and new Sensafin vegan trim which is standard. The new X7’s expanded range of standard equipment includes  four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass sunroof and hi-fi system, it now also includes the comfort seats for the driver and front passenger, a Sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and a new tray for wirelessly charging compatible mobile phones. Highlights of the options list include the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof (illuminated by LED units), the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the newly designed Travel & Comfort System to name a few.

 Driver assistance systems

Comfort and safety in the new BMW X7 are further enhanced by a significantly expanded selection of automated driving and parking systems. New features include the extended range of functions offered by the front-collision warning system, which now also reduces the danger of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming vehicles when turning off. If the optional Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function is specified, the automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring and traffic light recognition features will be included too. Also new is the exit warning function, which alerts occupants to a risk of collision when opening the door.

The standard Parking Assistant also includes the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant. On cars with the optional Parking Assistant Professional specified, the Reversing Assistant can now take over the job of steering the car for a distance of up to 200 metres. And the new Trailer Assistant makes it easier to execute reversing manoeuvres when towing a trailer.

Performance

The updated X7’s powertrains have been newly developed and now feature 48V mild hybrid technology. The engine range is headed by a new 4.4-litre petrol V8 for the range-topping BMW X7 M60i xDrive, which is derived from the engines powering the high-performance cars coming out of BMW M GmbH. It delivers 390kW/750Nm. Combined fuel consumption is at a claimed 13.3 – 12.2 l/100km (WLTP).

A latest-generation six-cylinder in-line engine makes its debut in the BMW X7 xDrive40i. It’s said to boasts a wealth of innovations for the combustion process, gas exchange, valve control, injection and ignition system that enhance both performance and efficiency. The output of the new engine is 35kW up on the predecessor unit, at 280kW, while peak torque rises by 70Nm to 520Nm – and can be boosted to as much 540Nm with the input of the mild hybrid system.

Detailed upgrades to the six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the new BMW X7 xDrive40d are said to have also yielded improvements to its fuel economy and emissions (fuel consumption combined: 8.7 – 7.6 l/100km (WLTP). he maximum output of its overall drive system is 259kW. The nominal torque of the diesel engine is 700 Nm, which can be increased to as much as 720 Nm thanks to the the mild hybrid system.

All of the engines partner with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Sprint function. Engine power is channelled to the road – or unsurfaced terrain, if required – via BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive xDrive system.

Local availability and pricing are yet to be confirmed by BMW South Africa.