LUXURY IN A BIG PACKAGE
The BMW X7 proves why bigger is better
Finding the right car has always been a challenge for us. I have five kids, which means our cars should have a minimum of 7 seats. It can be quite limiting because most vehicles with a capacity of 7 and above are usually people movers, which is okay when it is chauffeur-driven. But if you are looking for a nice, stylish, self-driven car, there are only a handful of choices.
BMW has always been one of our favorite vehicle brands, having owned several permutations of their SUVs and sports cars. I would sum up the experience in one phrase: "It's a car made to be driven."
BMW engineering always has sheer driving pleasure as its core value. When someone drives a BMW, they see and feel the difference. So imagine how exciting it is that they have launched the first-ever BMW X7, a 7-seater that you would not mind driving around Metro Manila.
The latest and largest model in the BMW X lineup brings a fresh sensation of space to the luxury segment. The marriage between the advanced driving technologies in the X series and the sharing of the 7-Series luxury sedan platform will provide an allterrain ride comfort.
SPACIOUS, BUT NOT LARGE
At first glance, the BMW X7 is not as big as I expected it to be. The size impression is not overpowering for a self-drive vehicle. The new design language, dominated by precise lines and expansive surfaces, intensifies the car's authoritative aura.
The prominent BMW kidney grille gives the car an undeniable sense of presence. The BMW X7 comes as standard with LED fog lights and BMW Laserlight headlight technology. The car's defining features, when viewed from the side, are its large windows, high ground clearance, and long roofline. Horizontal lines, slim LED lights, and the two-section split tailgate emphasize the contemporary styling of the rear end.
The design trim includes a generous sprinkling of chrome elements, fitted with 21-inch light-alloy wheels with run-flat tires for an imposing stance. B gloss and satin aluminum accents complete the look.
LUXURIOUS INTERIOR SPACE
Now with three rows of seats with a configuration of two-three-two. The two passengers in the third row settle into full-size seats complete with armrests, cup holders and USB ports. All seats are adjusted electrically at the push of a button. The boot capacity can be increased from 326 to a maximum of 2,120 liters, as required.
The BMW X7 comes as standard with BMW Individual Extended Leather Trim "Merino" Upholstery, five-zone automatic climate control, the Ambient Air package, the Panorama glass roof
Sky Lounge, Crafted Clarity glass applications,
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, Rearseat Entertainment Professional system, Luggage-compartment Package, and ambient lighting including the Welcome Light Carpet.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional fitted with a fully digital instrument cluster which has a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. Apple CarPlay is officially supported, together with Bluetooth and
USB connectivity.
POWERED DRIVE
Under the hood, you will find a 3.0 Liter twinturbo in-line Six-Cylinder Diesel with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The output: 195 kW/265 hp and 620 Nm of torque in the BMW X7 xDrive30d (fuel consumption combined: 6.8 – 6.5 l/100 km
[41.5 – 43.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 178 – 171 g/km*).
As expected, BMW has loaded this model with all the bells and whistles when it comes to driver aids and safety features. A good mention is its Adaptive Suspension with electronically controlled dampers, and air springs at both axles. The vehicle's ground clearance can be varied by up to 80 millimeters to suit the situation at hand—by either pressing a button or using the BMW Display Key.
The BMW X7 xDrive30d Pure Excellence is now available.
It comes with a 5-year, 200,000-kilometer manufacturer's warranty—a new standard in the premium automotive segment in the Philippines. Photos may vary from actual unit.