Ian McLaren, writing in the March issue of CAR Magazine, takes a look at the new and even bigger siblings to the seven series range; the BMW X7 and the X7M60i.
Introduced in 2019, the X7 SUV represented BMW’s first foray into the world of premium raised ride-height mobility. Of course, experience gained from top-selling X family models like X5 and X3 helped, but how would the market react to a larger-still member of the family?
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The X7 has very quickly established itself as the favoured premium BMW product within the still0important US market, and so positive was the reception for the X7 – notably in key markets including Asia, the Middle East and, of course, the USA – BMW admits to being taken by surprise. As part of this model’s mid-cycle refresh, the brand has shown a willingness to draw this imposing-looking big brother into its extended 7 Series fold.
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The X7 (and M60i) give every indication that they are members of a family of SUVs with a reputation for for segment-leading poise. I look forward to comparing the X7’s dynamic ability to the new Ranger Rover Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLS, which is its natural rival.
BMW X7 xDrive40d Fast Facts
Price: from R1 945 000
Engine: 3,0-litre, straight-six, turbodiesel; 48 V electric system
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 259 kW @ 4 400 r/min
Torque: 720 N.m @ 1 750–2 250 r/min
0-100 km/h: 5,9 seconds
Top speed: 245 km/h
Fuel consumption: 8,6 L/100 km
CO2 emissions: 225 g/100 km
BMW X7 M60i Fast Facts
Price: from R2 285 000
Engine: 4,4-litre, twin-turbo V8; 48 V electric system
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 390 kW @ 5 500–6 000 r/min
Torque: 750 N.m @ 1 800–4 600 r/min
0-100 km/h: 4,7 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (limited)
Fuel consumption: 12,9 L/100 km
CO2 emissions: 292 g/100 km
Find Ian on Twitter: @ianmclaren76
Also read: BMW 3 Series LCI review
