Teasers and spy shots of the facelifted BMW X7 had been doing the rounds on the web for quite a bit, and now it has finally been unveiled. Apart from the design, there is quite a bit that has changed under the hood, and in the interiors as well. The flagship BMW SUV will be rivalling the likes of the Audi Q8, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and the new Range Rover.
BMW X7 Design
Starting with the most obvious bit here — the front of the BMW X7 receives a new design language which was first seen on the XM concept, and will most likely make it onto future BMW offerings. This may be up for debate, but the split headlamp design takes your attention away from the massive grille we’ve seen since the 7 Series sedan. The turn indicators are integrated within the DRLs, while the headlamps are placed below — a design choice that’s gaining a lot of popularity.
Then you have the large trademark kidney grille, which now receives illumination, and is standard on the M60i xDrive variant, while the other two variants get this as an option. An interesting feature we cannot wait to test out in the real world. Wheel sizes range from 20-inches to 23-inches, with the X7 receiving 23-inch light alloy wheels as an option for the first time.
BMW X7 Powertrains
The facelifted X7 gives you a choice of three powertrains to choose from — two petrols and a diesel. There’s a new 4.4-litre V8 petrol which produces 522bhp and 750Nm of torque. The 3-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains have been retained. However, the petrol has been updated to produce more power — 375bhp and 520Nm of torque, which is 47bhp and 70Nm more than its predecessor. Meanwhile, the diesel puts out 335bhp and 700Nm of torque.
Also new under the hood is a 40V mild-hybrid powertrain, which will be available on all three powertrains. This mild-hybrid powertrain puts out 12bhp and 200Nm of torque, depending on driving conditions.
BMW X7 Interiors and Equipment
In terms of the features and equipment, the BMW X7 gets the latest BMW Operating System 8, BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system, a new gear selector lever, ventilated front row seats with massage function, the latest generation of BMW iDrive, a Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system and more. Should you opt for the Comfort Package, you’ll get the ventilated seats for the second and third row, along with a heated steering wheel and front armrests.
There are updates on the safety front as well — an updated front collision warning system with added functions, along with active cruise control, automatic speed limit assist, park assist professional which steers your car for a distance of 200m, trailer assist to help in towing situations, and manoeuvre assist among others.
BMW X7 India launch
The BMW X7 facelift hasn’t been confirmed for an India launch yet, but we expect it to arrive on Indian shores around next year. The X7 goes up against the likes of the Range Rover, Audi Q8, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS. We expect the new X7 to be priced upwards of its predecessor’s price tag of Rs 1.17 crore.