BMW X7 Unveiled, India Launch Likely In 2019

Officially unveiled for the international markets today, the X7 takes the familiar BMW X-series design cues and expands them to accommodate proper three rows of seating, a lot of high-end tech and refined ergonomics in a package with unmistakable road presence.

The BMW X7 might be the newest kid on the block when it comes to uber luxurious seven-seater SUVs, but with its strong German pedigree and engine options covering the entire gamut, it looks to take on formidable foes like the Mercedes GLS, Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 and the Swedish XC90 head on. Here’s what the largest ever BMW has to offer.

The largest BMW X model is 5,151mm in length, 2,000mm wide and 1,805mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 3,105mm, which make it even larger than the massive Land Rover Discovery and the GLS. A prominent front end, large windows, high ground clearance, long roofline and a two-section split tailgate are the key design dynamics on the new X7.

On the front, one look at the behemoth from Bavaria highlights the all-new boxier and taller rendition of the iconic kidney grille, which hogs way more real estate than it does in any of its smaller siblings from the X-series, making it the largest in BMW history.

Accompanying the large front grille are sleek LED headlamps which are standard across all variants and come equipped with quintessential daytime running lights. BMW also has the optional laser tech headlamps as part of additional kit, which increases the range of the high-beam from 300m to 600m, double the throw of the standard LEDs.

At the rear, the split tailgate increases the ease of access to the boot for easy loading and unloading. Capacity with all three rows up stands at 326 litres, which can be expanded to a massive 2,120 litres by folding the rear two rows.

Inside, the X7 has seven seats as standard, with the option of converting the middle row with two individual comfort seats. BMW also promises uncompromised space in the third row, complete with armrests, cup holders and USB ports, with all seats being electrically adjustable.

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Additionally, the X7 boasts of the finest creature comforts available, with four-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting and three-section panoramic glass roof as standard.
On the other hand, five-zone automatic climate control, ambient air package, panorama glass roof sky lounge, controls with glass applications, Bowers & Wilkins diamond surround sound and rear-seat entertainment are optional. All in all, this is a feature-packed cabin, with large 12.3-inch twin screen panels that enhance the X7’s tech quotient.

Under the hood, the X7 comes with an option of four drivetrains, with two diesel (M50d and xDrive 30d) and two petrol (xDrive 40i and xDrive 50i) engines.

The petrol inline-six can churn up to 335PS while the turbo-charged 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 petrol maxes out at 456PS, providing the massive SUV plenty of power on tap. Among the diesel offerings are the 3.0-litre motor with 256PS of power and a gruntier 400PS version -- that makes the X7 no laggard. All the engines come mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive.

The AWD can send 100 per cent of the power to the rear wheels, and there's an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential available with the Dynamic Handling Package and the Off-Road Package. The optional Off-Road package also enables switching between xSand, xGravel, xRocks and xSnow driving modes based on specific terrain requirements.

Owning the badge of being the biggest ever BMW is no easy feat, and the X7, with its large proportions, massive road presence and various engine options, looks to justify that tag. It will be manufactured at the carmaker’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, with deliveries starting in March 2019 within the US.

While there is no official word on the availability in India, we expect the first-ever seven-seater from BMW to land here by the second half of 2019. Given the competition it is up against, the X7’s sticker price is likely to easily cross the Rs 1 crore mark. Will it be as alluring a package as the GLS or the Discovery? Well, it might be late to the party, but with what we have seen so far, it surely looks to make a grand entrance to say the least.
Let us know what you think about the all-new X7 in the comments below.