NEW X7 SET TO X-CELL

BY JON THOMSON

HERE ON THE BEACHES, WE RARELY WRITE ABOUT FUTURE CAR MODELS. BUT IN THIS ISSUE, WE DECIDED THE ANTICIPATION OF BMW’S LATEST FLAGSHIP SUV, THE NEW X7, WAS SUCH THAT WE THOUGHT IT WORTHWHILE TO BRIEF YOU ON WHAT WE BELIEVE WILL BE NOT ONLY A TECHNOLOGICAL TOUR DE FORCE, BUT ONE OF THE MOST DESIRABLE LUXURY SUVS ON THE ROAD.

BMW’s luxury SUV fl agship will boast brand-new styling with a redesigned front fascia, debuting split headlights featuring the daytime-running lights positioned on top and its main beams below, using new tech, adaptive matrix LED technology as well as ‘Iconic Glow’ illumination in the X7’s ‘kidney’ grilles.

There are also design upgrades to the lower front and rear bumpers along with stunning new 23-inch alloy wheels. BMW has also promised a breathtaking palette of colours available, showcasing even greater presence on the road.

It’s not just the external styling that will set the new X7 apart. The interior has had a signifi cant redesign including receiving the latest BMW iDrive 8 infotainment technology, using a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster along with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, both of which have been integrated into a single curved glass panel that is beautiful to look at and to use.

Naturally, the new X7 is also equipped with the latest wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, there will be augmented-reality navigation and a personal assistant along with 5G connectivity. For the techno inclined, you will also be able to use your iPhone as a digital key to open and start the car. Now we like the sound of that given our propensity for losing keys. The cockpit has been thoroughly redesigned with new slim and elegant air vents as well as new ambient light bar in front and a new restyled shift lever that is totally electronic ‘fl y-by-wire’ technology.

Luxury abounds throughout with a new array of trim materials and heated seats, as well as an illuminated panoramic glass sunroof, four-zone climate control, and a 10-speaker audio system.

Powering the new X7 is a choice of two powerplants, the xDrive40d diesel and the M60i petrol V8. The xDrive40d is an upgraded version of BMW’s superb 3.0-litre turbo inline-six delivering 250kW of power and a stunning

700Nm of torque. That means power is up around 28 per cent while torque has been increased by 80Nm. This gives the diesel X7 the ability to go from standing start to 0-100km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

The X7 fl agship is now the M60i, featuring BMW’s all new 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 which is set to be used in the next iteration of the legendary BMW M5 sports sedan and boasts 390kW of power along with 750Nm of torque enabling it to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.7-seconds with a top speed of 250km/h. Both powerplants are paired to BMW’s impressive eight speed automatic and then to the ground via all four wheels. It is also paired to a 48 volt mild hybrid system delivering an added 9kW and 200Nm of torque under heavy loads.

There is adaptive air suspension as standard while the X7 M60i features a rear-wheel steer capability for added manoeuvrability, while active anti-roll bars are also standard on the fl agship M60i.

With all that performance, BMW hasn’t overlooked the safety with a full suite of safety tech including autonomous emergency braking system with a new intersection support function, as well as a side exit warning system, and a reversing assistant function which remembers the last 200 metres the vehicle has travelled and can automatically guide it backwards without hitting anything. For those with limited tow skills, there is a trailer manoeuvring system designed for low speeds.

Have we whet your appetite? As far as we are concerned, we can’t wait for the new X7 due in the next few months before the end of the year. Bring it on! •

COL CRAWFORD BMW // 497 PITTWATER RD, BROOKVALE NSW 2100 // (02) 9941 1290