A weekend with the X

BUS-SIZED: THE GODFATHER OF BMWS A stunning vehicle that doesn’t need to demand attention.

When the gigantic BMW X7 xDrive M50i landed at my doorstep, I was in awe. The very intimidating size of the maroon bussized SUV is enough to leave most jaws gaping.

The weekend aim, though, was to spend every waking moment driving and take the car through as many highways in Joburg as possible, to get a real sense and feel of this machine.

To complete this I’d have to give it a full drive from an urban area in the East Rand attending a baby shower, to a small early picnic type gathering in a park. And then on even further, pushing forward to a bumpy and hilly farming area that requires a strong vehicle that glides around curves and sleekly hugs corners.

From the BMW range, this is currently the largest passenger vehicle in the fleet. Sort of the Godfather of BMWs. I was told by a friend who spotted me in the car leaving a mall that this is the vehicle for people who are beyond the point of “I’ve arrived”. She even hinted that it’s a government-tenderpreneur-wife-type of vehicle.

“Well at least that’s what people will think of you,” is what she muttered to me.

“Let them think what they want!” I retirted.

It’s large size will provoke you to throw caution to the wind, but the car will never allow you to be reckless because it has numerous safety features.

The powerful 456kW twin-turbo V8 is as thrilling off-road and I tested this theory on a very bumpy gravel road to the family farm. There are three turbocharged engines in the range but the M50i is the top

model.

Equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, the drive takes some getting used. Steptronic isn’t for every-one, so it is best to play around with it. I certainly am not a fan of this type of transmission, but I guess that’s the old school part of my nature.

The X7 is an all-wheel-drive with transmission options to shift from sport, to comfort to eco, dependent on your mood, traffic conditions and road conditions.

This seven-seater SUV has three rows of seats that can be adjusted to suit the needs of the driver and passengers. This is a model built for bigger families whose requirements might exceed the needs of the run-of-the-mill

SUV. And the X7 is anything but run of the mill.

The outside is boisterous and has parking distance cameras that come standard with all BMWs. The new grille is, of course, a key noticeable factor and there is a sunroof that travels from front to back for all the passengers to enjoy.

Boot space seemed to be an issue, till I dropped the last row of seats and, hey presto, there was more than enough room to carry groceries and bags.

Passengers have automatic visors to block the sun which switch on and off automatically. Temperature can be adjusted by each passenger throughout the car. The merino leather-covered second row has an

offering of “onboard” infotainment, loaded with self-controlled monitors that each passenger in that row can control, electronically detach from the main dashboard infotainment, and enjoy separate entertainment without disturbing the driver or others in the car.

A feature I’d never experienced was gesture controls, where you don’t have to touch the screen to change music tracks or lower the volume. BMW has gone with the Harman Kardon sound system that gives out clear acoustics.

This vehicle is just as intimidating inside. The detailed dashboard and instrument panel can easily be compared to the cockpit of a plane.

Most people haven’t spotted an X7 in South Africa but when they do, you will catch the thrill in their eyes as they just stare as this is an amazing looking car.

The ladies at the baby shower were all keen to pop into the back seats to try out the infotainment system, which is very easy to use and has a navigation system that doesn’t require too much to get you to your ultimate destination.

At the park, the experience was more about fitting things into the boot without too much labour. The farm was about testing the terrine and handling capabilities. But everywhere the reaction was the same, people relish in gawking at the car.

This isn’t a baby beast. It’s the parent. The X7 doesn’t have to demand attention. It immediately stands out from the pack. This was a weekend with an X that was worth it.