After official photos were leaked online just days before its debut, the 2015 Borgward BX7 has finally been unveiled in the flesh at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. As you would have known by now, the BX7 leads the brand back into business after over five decades of inactivity from the German carmaker.
However, it has to be said that the Borgward marque is pretty much German in name only as the manufacturer is now owned by China-based Foton Motor – the BX7 will also be assembled in China, as a result. So then, on to the car itself. The Borgward BX7 retains the classic SUV shape with ample ground clearance and high belt line. In front, the car is dominated by the “trademark” octagon radiator grille.
Within said grille resides the diamond-shaped Borgward logo, itself surrounded by diamond-shaped elements housed within the assembly. Said design cue is exclusive to the flagship TS variant as the regular BX7 receives a grille with vertical bars instead. The grille itself is flanked by xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRLs). Down below, fog lights are mounted within the air inlet assembly.
Moving along, the Borgward BX7 is equipped with 21-inch wheels all round wrapped in 255/40 tyres while brushed aluminium roof rails (TS variant only) are to be found above. At the rear, Borgward lettering sits between the combination LED taillights while a discrete tailgate spoiler sits atop. Elsewhere, the rear bumper is home to two chrome-edged exhaust outlets.
Under the bonnet, the Borgward BX7 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 litre inline-four petrol engine with 224 PS and 300 Nm of torque. Said mill is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with power going to all corners of the car via a permanent all-wheel drive system. Zero to 100 km/h takes around 10 seconds while top speed has been quoted at 200 km/h.
Alternatively, there’s also a plug-in hybrid variant. Said model retains the same petrol engine but adds on an electric motor for a combined power output of 401 PS. Borgward has claimed that its BX7 plug-in hybrid is capable of an all-electric range of 55 km.
Inside, the Borgward BX7’s cabin is trimmed in Scottish Nappa leather with contrasting stitching while the centre console gets decked out with an aluminium-like trim. Opting for the higher-end TS variant nets one a flat-bottomed steering wheel as well as sports pedals. Elsewhere, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, said to be the largest in its class, is offered as standard.
The infotainment system possesses voice command capabilities as well as onboard WiFi connectivity. Also, Bluetooth, USB and AUX compatibility are present, as is navigation. Android and Apple devices can also be paired to the system via Borgward’s Multiple Interaction platform. Once paired, the system provides drivers access to music stored on said devices, phone contacts and whatnot.
Owners can also choose to have their respective BX7s in five- or six- or seven-seater configurations. The marque also claims a total luggage capacity of 1,344 litres with the second and third row of seats folded.
Standard driver assistance features include collision assistant with active brake intervention, city braking with pedestrian detection, proximity cruise control, traffic sign recognition capabilities, driver fatigue warning and a tyre pressure monitoring system as well as a 360 degree surround view camera.
On the safety side of things, the Borgward BX7 is equipped with “two-stage hybrid airbags” for the driver and front passenger as well as side and curtain airbags. Also available are three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners, Isofix mounts and a child safety seat detection system on the front passenger seat.
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Can see BMW, Audi, Porsche and even Peugeot design cues here. What a ‘talented’ designer.
hello friend, our Proton designers are far better. Just that you worship Mat Salleh and condemn our own designers. Our Preve look sexier than this junk
“Just that you worship Mat Salleh and condemn our own designers.”
ALL European manufacturers employ designers from all over the world. The new Mercedes CLS for example was designed by a Korean.
That I agree RBA john! Just to sit in the 3rd row for this Borg, I need to amputate both my legs.
from the video look likes a rather slow moving machine.. what’s so great about this?
and take a look at those third row seat… people with detachable legs suitable.
I thought it was one of those China-made brand.
10 seconds?! to 100km/h… That was fine 7 years ago. That is really slow.
how about no…
The design looks boring for present days.
Have been waiting for this comeback for years! If it’s going to be anything as good as it’s forbears, it’ll have been worth the wait. Hope we’ll see a sedan or two as well soon. I’m very excited.
Looks like a Cayenne and a bunch of other cars.
No wonder then..
Carl is rolling over in his grave