BMW Australia will let loose its facelifted X7 on local soil in the fourth quarter of 2022, but buyers will have to pay extra for the 2023 model compared with the outgoing ultra-lux large SUV.
And that’s because the existing xDrive30d and M50i grades have been replaced with the more potent xDrive40d and M60i respectively.
Priced at $166,900 before on-road costs, the xDrive40d is $28,000 pricier than the xDrive30d it replaces, while the M60i, priced at $197,900, is $13,000 pricier than its M50i predecessor.
To justify the price rise, the xDrive40d scores a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, punching out 259kW/700Nm (which can be boosted to 720Nm with the new mild-hybrid system) – making it 64kW/100Nm more potent than the xDrive30d.
The range-topping BMW X7 M60i meanwhile, retains the M50i’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 with the same 390kW/750Nm punch.
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with drive sent to all four wheels.
Buyers of the xDrive30d can select either the M Sport or Design Pure Excellence pack at no extra cost, with the former adding a sports bodykit, alloy pedals and metallic interior trim, while the latter features Pearl Chrome exterior highlights, silver-coloured scuff plates and brown interior trim.
Equipment levels have also been boosted in the xDrive30d – making the $28,000 price jump more palatable – and now includes metallic paint, 22-inch wheels, an M Sport pack, five-zone climate control, premium harman/kardon 16-speaker sound system, a drive recorder, comfort seats and leather interior.
Stepping up to the M60i adds cooled and massaging front seats, heated second- and third-row seats, heated steering wheel, heated front armrests, the M Sport Pro pack, sports exhaust, an M Sport differential, rear axle steering, and leather-finished instrument panel.
Option highlights include a Bowers and Wilkins Diamond sound system for $8500, a trailer tow hitch for $2500 and M carbon fibre interior for $1700.
2023 BMW X7 pricing before on-road costs
Variant | Transmission | Cost |
xDrive40d | Automatic | $166,900 |
M60i | Automatic | $197,900 |
Keyword: 2023 BMW X7 price and specs: Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-rivalling big and baller SUV jumps up in cost