New BMW X7: update for the German luxury SUV

Technically, the new BMW X7 that the brand will begin selling in the summer is the same model that reached the market in 2018. However, BMW has made significant changes to update its exterior look, completely redesigning the dashboard and simplifying the engine range. With all these novelties, the BMW X7 appears ready to withstand the challenge from Land Rover in the large luxury SUV segment with its new Range Rover. Other rivals in this category are the Mercedes Benz GLS and the Audi Q7.

What changes on the outside of the new BMW X7

The design of the twin headlights is the first thing that catches the eye on the new BMW X7, with a highly stylised upper section that includes the daytime running lights and indicators, while the main headlights with the position and main beam functions sit below, integrated into the new bumper design. The rear light clusters are also newly designed, adopting a new 3D graphic and joined by a horizontal chrome strip beneath the rear window.

Other new details include the grille with lighting option, wheels of up to 23 inches -for the first time on a BMW model– drawn from the wide range of customisation options from BMW Individual, and the redesigned M Sport and M Sport Pro packages. The BMW X7 comes as standard with 20-inch wheels. For the bodywork, in addition to the 40 BMW Individual colours available as special options, a metallic marine blue and a metallic bright grey have been added to the optional colour palette.

The interior design of the new BMW X7

The changes are even more evident inside, where the multimedia screens take on even greater prominence. Now, the 12.3-inch instrument display sits under a curved housing oriented towards the driver, with the multimedia screen below it, which measures a huge 14.9 inches. This new generation of BMW iDrive, with the screen system that BMW has named BMW Curved Display, promises greater ease of use and the arrival of new digital services.

The cabin also features new decorative trim, more streamlined air vents, a new ambient lighting strip and a new gear selector lever. The glass panoramic sunroof is standard, and as an option you can specify a Sky Lounge roof with LED lighting. Three rows of seats are also standard, although the second row can be specified with two comfort seats instead of three. BMW announces that leather upholstery, available in four colours, comes as standard equipment in Europe; for other markets the novelty is Sensafin, a new high-quality vegan material with properties similar to leather, although for now it will not be offered in Europe.

Depending on the equipment, the BMW X7 can have heated seats in all positions (in the front they are standard). Four-zone climate control is included as standard in all versions, and there is also the option of fitting a head-up display with augmented reality. As for the driver assistance systems, BMW takes advantage of this update to improve those already offered by the X7, with expanded functions. For example, the parking assistant can memorise a route (a parking manoeuvre) and repeat it autonomously, and the anti-collision system also detects cyclists or pedestrians approaching from the opposite direction when turning.

Engines of the BMW X7: two petrol versions and one diesel

For the engine range, BMW simplifies the offering and focuses on two petrol versions and one turbodiesel. The latter is the xDrive40d, with 340 CV, while the petrol xDrive40i produces 380 CV. The top-of-the-range version is the X7 M60i with the 530 CV V8 engine. The engine modifications, especially on the xDrive40i, are aimed at improving consumption and emissions. All engines now feature mild hybridisation, including the M60i, so they all qualify for the DGT ECO label.

Adaptive air suspension is standard on all versions, while as an option (standard on the X7 M60i xDrive) you can fit four-wheel active steering and an active roll stabilisation system. All models feature all-wheel drive and Steptronic automatic gearbox.

BMW X7 image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadBMW X73 versions · from 123,050 €