Flagships of a marque usually signify the transition into a new age of design language or technology and BMW kept to the playbook by introducing its latest styling direction on the new 7 Series sedan before penning it into its other crown jewel, the facelifted X7.
Munich prefers you refer to the gargantuan X7 as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) but calling a spade a spade has always been our closet pastime. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the refreshed X7 further slims down the front end’s lighting to mimic the 7 Series’ twin headlights futuristic façade.
At first glance, it’ll appear that the X7 is squinting at you but rest assured, you’re probably squinting at it initially given the bold design leaps that’s synonymous with BMW.
The horizontal LED light elements set higher up in the frontend house the position light, DRLs and indicators while the lower units function as the low-beam and high-beam. Of course, the range-topping X7 M60i xDrive has lighting elements within the grilles so astronauts aboard the International Space Station can see them too. At the rear, the taillights were slimmed down as well.
Some M Sport touches include the M Marina Bay Blue paint that’s exclusive for the BMW M model but the others can be ticked for all variants. This includes 21-inch M alloys over the standard 20-inch rollers and for the first time on a BMW, you can order 23-inch wheels.
Inside, the highlight would be the latest iDrive control/operation system that includes the BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8. The curved display is formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a 14.9-inch screen. Of course, gesture control continues to be available, as is dialogue using natural language.
The 3 rows of seating remain with the middle row swallowing 3 people but can also be optioned with 2 individual seats. Standard upholstery that’ll likely hit our shores are based on the new Sensafin trim that’s essentially vegan surface material with leather-like properties.
Staying in the cabin, the kit count is as generous as the front end is divisive. You’ll find the likes of quad-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a Sport leather steering wheel with paddle shifters and a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System. The Comfort front seats also include seat ventilation and a massage function.
All the X7 variants now get electrified with a mild hybrid 48V system that houses the starter generator on the crankshaft within the transmission. The X7 M60i xDrive runs on a new turbocharged 4.4-litre petrol V8, the very same mill powering some of the M cars. Power checks in at 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque with a nice boost from the 48V mild hybrid system through the 8-speed automatic.
As for the X7 xDrive40i, power comes from the 3.0-litre inline-six that brings with it a combined 380 hp and 520 Nm of torque. Cogs are the same 8-speed automatic as well.
Ride and handling comprise the standard offering of adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers that BMW assures will balance out the handling expected from a Munich offering with the comfort demanded by those opting for a SUV.
A number of comfort and safety aspects can be left to the X7 in the form of automated driving and parking systems. This includes the upgraded front-collision warning system that reduces the danger of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming vehicles when turning off. There’s also optional Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring and traffic light recognition.
New, and very much welcomed, is the exit warning function that alerts occupants to a risk of collision when opening the door.
The sole outgoing X7 variant sold in Malaysia is priced from RM 680,840 and is currently assembled locally.
Keyword: Squint to make the new BMW X7 look better but at least it squints back at you