BMW unveils the heavily refreshed X7
It’s been a few years already since BMW unveiled the all-new X7 flagship SUV. While it serves as the most high-tech and fully-equipped model in BMW’s SUV range, it’s clearly in need of an update or refresh.
Fortunately, BMW has officially released the 2023 X7. Looking a lot busier than before, it now gets a heavily redesigned front end, minor tweaks to the rear, more power on the entry-level variant, and a refreshed cabin complete with the latest technologies.
Let’s start with the most obvious first, its face. Featuring the brand’s latest design language called ‘Design Pure Excellence’, it now comes with an expressive new front end that does away with the traditional headlight design. As a result, the LED daytime running lights now sit up top on the hood while the headlights are placed lower near the bumper. According to BMW, this new look will “emphasize the X7’s more upright stance and reinforce its road presence”.
As for the kidney grille, it gets new darker slats along with a brighter chrome surround for contrast. But in order for the X7’s new face to stand out more, BMW put a Cascade Lighting element within the grille itself for extra flair. For sportier versions of the X7 like the M60i, it trades chrome for gloss black accents for a more aggressive design.
For the first time, the X7 is now available with 23-inch wheels which are only available on the top-of-the-line variants. The base model xDrive 40i only comes with a 21-inch set while the M60i version gets 22-inch alloys.
Speaking of base models, BMW was also busy giving the entry-level 3.0-liter turbo inline-six more boost. Thanks to a new 48V mild-hybrid setup, the Bavarian automaker claims the straight-six now generates 380 PS plus 520 Nm of torque – an increase of 47 PS and an extra 70 Nm of pull. With help from the mild-hybrid system, torque can be increased to as much as 540 Nm.
Even the 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel was given extra get-up-and-go in the latest update. It now makes 352 PS with 700 Nm of torque, which can be boosted to 720 Nm with input from the mild-hybrid system.
Serving as the most powerful engine is the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. It continues to produce 530 PS and 750 Nm of torque which allows it to go from 0 – 97 km/h in only 4.5 seconds. All of the engines, including the V8, are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters. Moreover, all X7 variants come with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
When it comes to in-car amenities, BMW’s latest iDrive 8 comes standard on the 2023 X7. First made available on the electric iX and i4, it consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that’s paired with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment. The system also gets a new sleeker interface, an updated home menu, and additional features.
Around the cabin, the X7 now comes with multi-contour seats for added comfort. They even have massage and ventilation functions to keep occupants relaxed while on the road. Depending on the market, the flagship SUV can be upholstered in either Merino Leather or new Sensafin trim.
Other notable features present on the 2023 X7 include four-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass sunroof, Sport Leather steering wheel, a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, a redesigned gear selector, and heated second/third-row seats.
With the 2023 BMW X7 set to be sold in Europe soon, we can expect it to arrive in other markets (including the Philippines) sometime next year. But the more important question is, do you like the new look of the X7? Let us know in the comments.
Keyword: Do you like the face of the 2023 BMW X7?