Hey, big boy
BMW has created a mammoth new X7 that’s supersized on everything. It somehow works
BMW’s appetite for a superlarge SUV couldn’t come at a better time, with comparable rivals of the all-new X7 now old in their current generations. The Mercedes-Benz GLS, for one, has already been off the menu for quite some time, with its successor expected to premiere in China or the US this April before becoming available for delivery months later. And while the Lexus LX (a reskinned Toyota Land Cruiser) has never really been a telling proposition, the Range Rover has now passed mid-life in its current generation. At least the Rangie has now distanced itself from other gargantuan SUVs with a plug-in hybrid and long wheelbase version (as tested last week on these pages) appealing to chauffeur-driven urbanites who think solace can only be found in an S-Class or 7 Series. Which is why the Thai BMW representative wasted no time in announcing the price and specs of the X7 ahead of its local debut at this week’s Bangkok International Motor Show. The model chosen for Thailand is the 400hp M50d costing 8.999 million baht. But as the international driving trials of the X7 took place in the US this month, the only variances available for us to try were the petrol ones powered by either 340hp 3.0-litre inline-six or 462hp 4.4-litre V8. Even so, it isn’t difficult to deliver an early verdict on the X7. Probably the major selling point of the X7 is its ability to carry seven people in decent comfort, very much like in that Merc equivalent. Even six-footers shouldn’t find sitting in the third row an issue because this particular Bimmer has generous dimensions. The middle-row seats are available for either two or three persons, although the Thai-spec X7 initially focuses on the latter. Which is a pity because the chairs are arguably comfier to sit in than those in the 7 Series. In fact, choice for the buyer can never be a bad thing and this particular configuration could be popular among Thais with this kind of money to spend. Behind the wheel, the driver should find the environment equally appealing. The seat is set quite high to yield a commanding view of what’s happening outside. Even if the X7 is larger than the X5, on which it is loosely based, you don’t necessarily feel this on the move. That’s quite a good thing because the X5 already feels extra-wide.
Various digital screens, controls and buttons inside the X7 are also X5 fanfare, meaning that most things appear neatly stacked but can get fiddly to use at times, especially those on the centre console operating various functions for the driving parameters. In a bid to lift the X7 above the X5, BMW has fitted it with a large glass roof lined with lavish suede material. It feels luxurious enough to steal attention from Range Rover buyers. Because the X7 is a heavy SUV, tipping the scales at some 2.5 tonnes, BMW has found it imperative to offer at least six-cylinder power. And yes, you can feel how necessary this is for the X7 because the 40i, despite being able to accelerate from 0-100kph some six seconds, just manages to feel brisk enough. The decision to sell the M50d in Thailand over the 30i sounds fair because it helps create a loftier position for the X7 over the X5. Let’s not forget that the X7, like the 7 Series, represents the pinnacle in each’s respective genus. As for that imposing front grille… yes, it’s too much of an overstatement. Apart from that extra-large package for seven, the other USP in the X7 is cruising refinement. All the way from Phoenix to Las Vegas, the X7 proved to be highly comfortable with good levels of bump absorption and external noise suppression. Just because so much focus has been put on a comfortable ride doesn’t mean that the X7 is a soggy drive. In fact, it still handles easily and neatly thanks to steering that’s weighted well without feeling aloof. The X7 somehow outdoes the Range Rover in both of these aspects. We once summarised the GLS as the S-Class SUV and now the same could be said for the X7 being the raised relative of the 7 Series. This particular segment of the luxury SUV market may not be that big in Thailand (major markets are the US, China and Middle East). But for those seeking a recreational vehicle with long distance commuting in mind, the choice is now not restricted to the GLS. And in M50d spec, the X7 promises to entertain with serious realworld punch.