BMW X7

Stretching the tape at 5.1 metres long, 2 metres wide and 1.8 metres tall, the BMW X7 is just colossal. Also, it’s no stretched X5. The X7’s higher bonnet line and significantly longer rear overhang give it a more imperious look. What could divide opinion is the grille that’s the largest we’ve seen on a BMW SUV yet. Still, elements like the slim headlights that fuse in to the grille and slender tail lamps have more universal appeal.
On the inside, it’s all very new-age BMW and the dash, in fact, is shared with the latest X5. Not that you’d mind because the layered dashboard is befitting the BMW SUV range-topper, and the overall ambience inside the cabin is at near 7-series levels. The all-important middle row also scores big for comfort. The individual captain’s chairs on six seat versions are generously cushioned and the powered controls for recline and fore/aft movement make it real easy to find the ideal seating position. Access to the third row isn’t all that convenient and you do sit a touch low at the back but it’s easy to reach a legroom compromise with the middle row passenger and the large windows and third row moon roof let in plenty of light too.
The X7 range comprises the 40i petrol that’s powered by a 340hp, 3.0-litre straight-six and the 30d whose 265hp 3.0 diesel powers the SUV from 0-100kph in a brisk 7 seconds. While we are yet to drive these very versions, we can tell you that the X7 rides well on its air suspension, feeling cushy in Comfort and taut in Sport and Sport Plus modes. The X7 is not lithe or agile like a smaller SUV but is nevertheless happy to change direction. The X7’s dimensions can be overwhelming in town but the multiple cameras and auto park feature sure come handy.