BMW X7

Alternatively a used Volvo XC90 which is better and has more tech can be picked up for half a million. 7 seats too.
 
Nearly new buying guide: BMW X7

Munich’s biggest and brashest is also one of its best – if you can afford it

Go big or go home is the mantra of the BMW X7.

The largest and most luxurious car that BMW makes, this gargantuan SUV is unapologetic in its identity. You certainly won’t blend in, then, but you will be cruising inside a plush paradise.

Allowing you to cruise is an engine range mainly comprising 3.0-litre petrol and diesel straight sixes.

Initially, there were 30d, 40i and quad-turbocharged M50d variants with 261bhp, 335bhp and 394bhp. The diesels were replaced a few years after the X7’s 2019 release by the 40d with 335bhp. Meanwhile, the M50i took over from the M50d as the most powerful X7.

It has considerably more poke than its diesel predecessor, what with its 4.4-litre V8 putting out a hefty 523bhp. This affords a 0-60mph time of 4.7sec (it does weigh in at 2480kg, after all).


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BMW X7 (2022) Specs & Price

The facelifted version of the flagship BMW X7 has been confirmed for SA. Here’s when it’s arriving and which models we’re getting.

The BMW X7 is the Bavarian brand’s take on a flagship luxury SUV. As a rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the X7 brings luxury in abundance, paired to powerful engines.

The design gets a rework with horizontally split LED headlights with the upper section featuring daytime running lights and matrix LED headlights seen in the lower section. The large kidney grille gains an optional Iconic Glow illuminated grille and for the first time the X7 can be equipped with 23-inch BMW Individual wheels. The rear end gains new LED light units with 3D graphics and BMW has also updated its M Sport packages and added a new Sparkling Copper Grey metallic body colour to the range.

Key interior features include a large 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an even larger 14.9-inch infotainment system with the latest BMW Operating System 8. BMW has also added standard features such as Comfort Access, panoramic glass sunroof and heated front seats. If you look carefully, you’ll spot the gear knob has been removed, in favour of a much more discrete gear selector.

The X7 can seat 7 passengers as standard but it can be had as a 6-seater with 2 comfort seats in the second row as an option.

How much does the updated BMW X7 cost in South Africa?

BMW X7 xDrive40dBMW X7 M60i xDrive
Design Pure Excellence R1 945 000
M Performance Model R2 285 000
M Sport Package R2 020 000
M Sport Package Pro R2 060 000 R2 307 700

 
BMW X7 2022 review

And as far as big luxury SUVs go, it’s quite engaging, with surprisingly sharp actions and well-controlled handling. Yes, there really is a lot to like. We suspect the xDrive40i and xDrive40d will prove wiser buys, but if you want your SUV to have a V8, whether for the performance or the cachet, there’s no reason why it oughtn’t be an M60i.


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BMW X7 xDrive40i 2022 first drive

The changes brought to the 2023 model give it a more upmarket air with a greater feeling of luxuriousness than before, without taking anything away from its impressively smooth and determined dynamic traits. With its mild-hybrid tech bringing added fuel economy, it is also now a more attractive choice next to the X7 xDrive40d, which has traditionally proven to be the best-seller in the line-up.

 
BMW X7 (2022) International Launch Review

Summary

To sum up the BMW X7’s facelift, it’s a major aesthetic exterior update combined with a minor interior digitisation upgrade. The revised version of the Bavarian marque’s first-class SUV impresses with its ability to be a super comfortable long-distance cruiser, but it manages to hold its own when tasked with ascending or descending tight mountain passes.

The big Bimmer’s exterior design sets it apart from the (comparatively restrained) Lexus LX, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover and other rivals from exotic brands as something of a polarising choice, which is something that X7 buyers, well, deeply appreciate – and crave. What’s more, the interior update brings in a new operating system that’s targeted at a much younger and tech-savvy buyer who’s capable of getting the best out of the connectivity and features.

 
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