A brand new model enters the BMW lineup in the form the new BMW X7 and, as the name suggests, it will go right to the top of the X-range. The X7 will, in fact, be the largest commercial vehicle that BMW has ever produced - 229 mm longer than the current BMW X5.
The X7 will be a capable off-roader that blends its aggressive robustness elegantly with its delightful and high-quality interior. The X7 will be supremely practical too, with 3 rows of seats which should be more than enough to ferry around 7 people in comfort.
The X7 is being launched with 3 engine options. Firstly, the xDrive30d, the entry-level diesel engine which starts from £72,155 is actually the most economical engine too, with a maximum attainable economy of 43.5mpg. This engine has a maximum power output of 265 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque. It might be the entry-level engine but it is still good enough to take the car from 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds flat.
Secondly, there is the xDrive40i model which is a 3.0-litre petrol unit which costs £2,000 more than the xDrive30d. This petrol engine will only achieve a combined 32.5 mpg though, which isn’t ideal, but it is pretty quick with a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds.
Third and finally is the range-topping M50d model. This is a performance diesel. Yeah, you read that right, performance… diesel. It sounds daft but the stats back it up. 400 horsepower and a globe-spinning 760 Nm of torque take the giant X7 M50d from 0-60 in just 5.4 seconds. This is the most expensive of the lot though, with prices starting from £87,240, although you’ll save a little bit of money thanks to the combined 40mpg.
The standard specification is incredible on all models of the new X7, which is good considering the steep starting price. BMW has been kind enough to factory fit a glass roof to every single X7 which makes the huge X7 seem even larger on the inside. This isn’t an ordinary panoramic roof though, it is kitted out with LED lighting which is capable of illuminating 15,000 different graphic patterns reminiscent of a night sky. An essential feature, we’re sure you’ll agree.
Other standout elements of the new X7 include those outrageously large kidney grilles which seem more like caves than they do nostrils. Then, on the side-profile, you’ll notice the tall side windows which provide lots of natural light for the passengers. It is also worth noting that the X7 comes with air suspension as a standard feature, which elevates and descends as passengers get in the car - very cool. One particularly impressive feature worth mentioning is the ‘Selective Beam’ technology which is basically the cars full-beam headlights, which can see up to 600 metres ahead without dazzling oncoming traffic. Geeky but impressive.
Deliveries don’t start until April 2019 at the earliest but we imagine the X7 will be in particularly high demand.