MUNICH: BMW has refreshed its largest sports activity vehicle (SAV) with external features as well as the latest-generation iDrive control/operation system including BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8.
The three-row seating SUV (or SAV as BMW prefers to call it) can still be ordered with seats for seven or six persons.
The most visible change is the split headlight units that are making their debut, featuring horizontal LED light elements set higher up to house the position light, daytime driving lights and turn signal indicators.
The lower darkened portion houses LED units for the low-beam and high-beam headlights.
The new adaptive matrix LED headlights with non-dazzling high beam and adaptive light distribution now also provide the functionality of front fog lights with their automatic bad weather light.
The range-topping M60i xDrive variant now gets an “Iconic Glow” BMW kidney grille as standard that offers discreet cascade lighting even when the vehicle is stationary or on the move.
The rear end slim tail lights now get three-dimensional sculpting, while the connecting chrome bar is enclosed within an glass cover.
The dashboard has been revised with BMW Curved Display, slim air vents and an ambient light bar included in its lower section as standard.
The infotainment system, based on BMW Operating System 8, comes with a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches.
With the new display grouping in place and the continually expanding skillset of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the new BMW iDrive is geared towards touch operation and gesture control as well as dialogue using natural language.
The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps can be specified as an option with Augmented View on the control display.
Further enhancing the interior aura are LED units and a graphic including “X7” lettering or the M logo in the new M60i variant.
Also included are the four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass sunroof and hi-fi system, a Sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and a new tray for wirelessly charging compatible mobile phones.
Options include Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof (illuminated by LED units) and Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.
The X7 also gets the optional BMW Digital Key Plus that enables customers to lock and unlock their vehicle with their Apple iPhone via security-enhanced ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology.
The key shared feature of the X7's three engine offering is the integration of new-generation 48V mild hybrid technology.
Consisting of a crankshaft-mounted starter generator integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, the system contributes an extra 12hp of output and an extra 200Nm of torque.
The new 4.4-litre petrol V8 for the range-topping M60i xDrive, from BMW M GmbH featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology and a cross-bank exhaust manifold, delivers 530hp and peak torque of 750Nm.
A latest-generation six-cylinder in-line engine makes its debut in the xDrive40i that gets innovations in combustion process, gas exchange, valve control, injection and ignition system that enhance both performance and efficiency.
The output of the new engine is 47hp up on the predecessor unit at 380hp, while peak torque rises by 70Nm to 520Nm and can be boosted to 540Nm with the assistance of the 48V mild hybrid system.
The six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the xDrive40d has also been improved to output 352hp and 700Nm of torque and be further raised to 720Nm with the input of the mild hybrid system.
The M Marina Bay Blue metallic paint finish can be ordered exclusively for the BMW M variant, while Sparkling Copper Grey metallic is a new colour addition.
Standard wheels are the 20-inch light-alloy wheels, while range-topping variants and X7s specified with the M Sport package come with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels.
Optional 23-inch light-alloy wheels are available ex-factory for the first time for a BMW model.
The worldwide market launch for the new X7 will get underway in August.
