First look: BMW X7 unveiled as hulking X line flagship

The latest and largest model in the BMW X line-up has been officially unwrapped. The new X7 will sit above the X5 as BMW’s new flagship SUV, bringing a fresh sensation of space combined with an ultra luxurious interior.

The addition of the X7 to BMW’s SUV portfolio expands the company’s total crossover offering to 7 models, with the line-up now ranging from the X1 to X7.

At 5,151 millimetres in length, 2,000 millimetres wide and 1,805 millimetres tall, and with a wheelbase of 3,105 millimetres, the BMW X7 will rival the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLS, Land Rover Range Rover and Lexus LX, size wise.

As the new flagship of the BMW X model family, the new X7 design language emphasizes precise lines and expansive surfaces, with the front end incorporating an exceptionally large BMW kidney grille, giving the car an undeniable sense of presence. At the rear the two-section split tailgate is a first for a X model.

A generous sprinkling of chrome elements adds to the luxurious elegance of the X7. The car is fitted as standard with 20-inch light-alloy wheels, while 21- and 22-inch variants can be selected from the options list.

The roominess of the interior are underlined by the standard inclusion of three rows of seats, offering space for 7 occupants. The two passengers in the third row settle into full-size seats complete with armrests, cupholders and USB ports. The middle row can be composed of two individual comfort seats as an option. All seats are adjusted electrically at the push of a button. The boot capacity can be increased from 326 to a maximum of 2,120 litres, as required.

The cabin comes as standard with Vernasca leather trim, four-zone automatic climate control, a three-section panoramic glass roof, and ambient lighting including the Welcome Light Carpet and Dynamic Interior Light. Among the highlights on the options list are five-zone automatic climate control, the Ambient Air package, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, controls with glass applications, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the Rear-seat entertainment Professional system.

The line-up of engines available at launch comprises a 340 kW/462 hp petrol V8 in the BMW X7 xDrive50i, a six-cylinder in-line petrol unit with an output of 250 kW/340 hp for the BMW X7 xDrive40i and a pair of six-cylinder in-line diesels with outputs of 195 kW/265 hp in the X7 xDrive30d and 294 kW/400 hp in the X7 M50d.

All the engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the task of transferring their power onto either asphalt or loose terrain falls to the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a rear-biased set-up. Ensuring sharper handling is the M Sport differential at the rear axle, which brings electronically controlled locking. It is fitted as standard on the X7 M50d and as an option on the X7 xDrive50i and X7 xDrive40i.

The new X7 also boasts adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers and air springs at both axles for variable ride height adjustment. The X7 M50d includes an extra button for choosing between four driving modes – xSand, xGravel, xRocks and xSnow. These modes automatically adjust to the terrain by selecting the ideal settings for ride height, the xDrive system, accelerator and transmission responses, and DSC inputs.

Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0 is fitted as standard across X7 range and comprises a fully digital instrument cluster and a Control Display.

The X7 will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the US, with market launch slated to begin in March 2019.