Bhowever, if you wanted to transport more than five adults in comfort, you would need a luxury minivan; now you just need a big SUV … a really big SUV. And the BMW X7 is one. There is no attempt to hide the mass, and at over five meters long and two meters wide it would be a futile mission anyway. It’s BMW’s flagship SUV and positioned as a lifted, 4×4 alternative to the 7 Series saloon, although you’ll mostly see them on the road rather than on the side of a mountain.
The X7 looks big from the outside, but from behind the wheel the engineering wizards at BMW have managed to shrink the car around you, at least in how does it feel on the road. Ride quality and handling are excellent for a vehicle of this size and weight, aided by the adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering (optional on the M60i), which effectively reduces this car’s length while helping with handling. at slow speed.
The interior of the X7 is airy and spacious
UWE FISCHER
Engine choices are diesel or petrol, and all have a mild hybrid system, which at least affects fuel economy and emissions. The M60i performance model has no business being as fast and nimble as it is, seemingly defying the laws of physics as you accelerate this large SUV to 60 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds. The M Sport model also gets some cosmetic touches to take the X7 in a sportier direction, including large 23-inch wheels. There is nothing small about this car. Press Sport + mode and everything appears, including the exhaust note. However, this is probably not the look you want to project on the school run or when transporting the five-a-side squad plus a substitute to the nearby playing fields.
Sensitive driving is aided by the Driving Assistant Professional package, and the X7’s cruise control with adaptive cruise control is among the best and smoothest out there. You can also set it to adopt the detected speed limit, which adds relaxation to a long journey. Even critics of nanny interference may like the traffic light recognition system, which gives a polite bong when the lights are green and you haven’t moved. Handy when you’re trying to find something in the glove box … and preferable to a chorus of aggressive car horns from impatient cars behind you.
The X7 seats seven adults comfortably
UWE FISCHER
The X7’s interior is airy and spacious, which isn’t surprising given its size. It seats seven adults comfortably, but the seating arrangement can be specified with just six seats, meaning the second row has two armchairs instead of a bench, with a central gap to the rear seats. Fold down all the rear seats – electronically of course – and you have a cavernous luxury van. The electric split tailgate works well, as the smaller lower door stays closed until pushed, acting as a ledge to stop the load from falling.
An Ambient Air package is offered on the premium BMW and is available on the X7. It is an ionization and fragrance system for the interior of the car. The intensity can be controlled via the iDrive controller. You can have two different fragrance cartridges in the glove compartment, which last about six months. Other niceties include a heated and cooled cup holder, front seats with excellent massage functions and eight programs to target different parts of the body. You can also have an optional Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, which features integrated LED light graphics connected to the ambient lighting system. If you want to enjoy the Ultimate package, you also get the impressive Bowers & Wilkins Diamond audio system with 20 speakers and over 1500 watts of 3D surround sound.
The X7 has been given a facelift with an even bigger grille
UWE FISCHER
It’s all very big and very beautiful. If there’s a big animal in the car’s elephant-sized room, it’s the exterior. The X7 has faced some criticism, with some unkindly comparing the front end to an angry beaver. BMW listened to comments that the grille was a little too big, and the new facelifted version now has … an even bigger grille. And just in case you were trying to avoid looking at it, they’ve given it an Iconic Glow lighting treatment. You can never say that BMW shies away from a design statement. However, this car will not be bought on looks alone. It seems an odd thing to say about a luxury SUV costing over £100,000 that this car will be bought primarily for practicality when a smaller car simply won’t do.
bmw.co.uk