The X7, BMW’s flagship in the SUV segment, is getting its first facelift. The large SUV notably gains headlights on two floors and now benefits from an electrified diesel engine. Produced in the United States, it will be marketed in the summer of 2022. Starting price: from €101,900.
At the end of 2018, the range of BMW SUVs was enriched with an XXL variant called X7. A model designed to swallow up the miles of the great American plains in comfort worthy of a limousine. After a little over four years of career, the German manufacturer offers a first restyling to the competitor of the Mercedes GLS and Audi Q7. The novelty is visible at first glance: the headlights are now split in two.
A new light signature for the X7
The upper part houses the position lights, daytime running lights and indicators, while in the lower part – in a darker housing as if to blend in better with the decor – take place the dipped and main beam headlights (Matrix LED technology ). This coquetry, crossed with competitors like Skoda or Citroën, is set to be deployed at BMW. Indeed, the new 7 Series (presented on May 20) will also adopt this distinctive sign that the firm with the propeller therefore reserves in priority for its top-of-the-range models.
Among the other new features, note the presence of a backlit grille – whose vertical slats seem less prominent than in the past – and new shields. At the rear, the manufacturer has revised the light signature with a three-dimensional design. The chrome strip between the lights is now enclosed under a transparent element. It contributes to accentuate the width of the vehicle which still measures 2.22 m (mirrors included).
A modernized dashboard
Inside, BMW has modernized the dashboard. The X7 also offers the double curved digital panel of the new BMW iX. For the record, the screen behind the counters measures 12.3 inches and that of the infotainment system peaks at 14.9”. The German manufacturer also took advantage of the restyling to refine the air vents and integrate, in their extension (facing the passenger), an ambient lighting strip with an integrated X7 logo (or M for sports finishes). The traditional automatic gear lever on the center console gives way to a flush control.
On the equipment side, the catalog has been further enriched. In addition to four-zone automatic air conditioning, leather upholstery, adaptive air suspension and the panoramic glass sunroof, BMW now offers, as standard:
- heated comfort seats for the driver and front passenger,
- a sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifters,
- a new induction charger,
- a GPS with augmented reality display.
The X7 still offers two configurations: 6 or 7 seats. Rows 2 and 3 will also be able to benefit from heated seats thanks to a new optional pack. The SUV fitted as standard with 20” can also come directly from the factory with a 23” fitment. Unprecedented at BMW!
In the catalog of driving aids, the X7 is now able to recognize both traffic and alert the driver in the event of a risk of collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming vehicles when changing direction. direction. The SUV also now warns the occupants when a shock is foreseeable when opening a door. Finally, on the best-equipped versions, the parking assistant – and that of the trailer – now remember the last 200 meters traveled by the vehicle during a manoeuvre.
For lovers of new technologies, BMW is adding a new option to its catalog: the Digital Key Plus. It allows them to lock or unlock the X7 directly with their Smartphone (Apple iPhone).
New electrified engines
Under the hood, BMW offers three blocks that are now electrified*: two petrol and one diesel. The X7 xDrive 40i (380 hp) will not be available in France. With us, only the M60i xDrive version, the most powerful and the most efficient with its specific M chassis, will be marketed. Its biturbo V8, although now equipped with mild hybrid technology (48V), still develops 530 hp. It will be supported, as is the case today, by an xDrive 40d diesel version. This version – which also benefits from micro-hybridization – no longer offers 340 but 352 hp with a torque that can reach up to 720 Nm. All the engines are associated with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, with paddle shifters. gear change on the steering wheel and a “Sprint” function.
Marketing in August 2022
Assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the BMW X7 will be launched in August 2022. Its arrival in France should begin immediately after, since the manufacturer has already unveiled the prices of the SUV. The X7, only offered with 4-wheel drive, is displayed from €101,900 (xDrive40d). Count from €133,500 for the X7 M60i, recognizable by its more elaborate body kit. Prices which are exclusive of ecological malus.
*the electric motor is mounted on the crankshaft and integrated into the transmission
