New BMW X7 launched in Malaysia – xDrive40i Design Pure Excellence, 7-seater flagship SUV for RM889k

Here it is, the BMW X7, officially launched just three days after BMW Malaysia announced that its new flagship SUV was open for booking. The first ever BMW X7 is billed as “The 7 Series of SUVs“, and it sits right on top of an X range that had always called the X5 The Boss.

In case you haven’t noticed, cars have got bigger over the years, and key markets such as North America and China wanted – sorry, needed – something larger than the X5, something more opulent, something with more road presence. Slightly late, but the X7 is here to take on cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Lexus LX and Range Rover, among other road giants.

So, what do you get for RM888,800 on-the-road without insurance? The G07 X7 is based on a modified G05 X5 platform and aims to offer 7 Series luxury in a big SUV body. At 5,151 mm long, 2,000 mm wide and 1,805 mm tall, the X7 is 229 mm longer and 60 mm taller than the latest X5, which has already been previewed here and is launching soon. The three-row SUV’s 3,105 mm wheelbase is 130 mm longer than the G05 X5’s.

Unlike the X5, the X7 is a full seven-seater with adult seating in all rows; but for the first time in a BMW SUV, a six-seat option comprising two middle row individual seats is available. BMW Malaysia however chose to specify the regular three-seat bench in the middle row as the default. The second row splits 40:20:40, while the last row folds 50:50.

We get the X7 in xDrive40i form, and the base petrol option is powered by a 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-six engine with 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 5,200 rpm.

Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission (with shift paddles) and the firm’s rear-biased xDrive all-wheel drive system, the X7 xDrive40i is good for 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h. Not bad at all for a giant carrying every available feature in the carmaker’s arsenal, one that tips the scales at over 2.3 tonnes.

The X7 sits on two-axle air suspension, which has five different height settings over a range of 80 mm. The suspension’s air supply is controlled individually for each corner using an electrically driven compressor with pressure reservoir, making it possible to balance out an unevenly loaded car. With DSC, the vehicle load registered by the air suspension sensors can also be factored into braking modulation.

One can adjust the body’s ground clearance 40 mm above or below the standard setting; this might be useful for say, off-road driving or easier access to the cargo area. Executive Drive Pro with active anti-roll stabilisation makes its debut in an X model. Ride comfort is further enhanced by Dynamic Damper Control, which is able to process data from the navigation system and front camera.

We get the 7 Series of SUVs in the luxury-themed Design Pure Excellence trim – think chrome instead of M Sport’s gloss black – which is appropriate. Standard kit includes 21-inch Y-spoke alloys (with 285/45 tyres), aluminium running boards and roof rails, a Sky Lounge panorama glass roof, adaptive BMW Laserlight, LED fog lamps, high beam assistant, BMW Display Key and anti-dazzle wing/rear view mirrors, among other things.

Inside the Vernasca leather-trimmed cabin, the X7 comes with Fineline Stripe wood trim, a dashboard covered in Sensatec synthetic leather, surround view camera and a head-up display. Comfort features include ventilated front seats, auto air-con with five-zone control, electric blinds for the rear side windows, Comfort Access with handsfree tailgate opening, and a classy soft close function for the doors.

For communication and infotainment, the X7 gets BMW Connected Package Professional (including Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Concierge Services and Remote Services, BMW Digital Key and Intelligent Personal Assistant), Gesture Control, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch instrument panel, BMW Navigation system Professional with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and wireless charging.

Sound is courtesy of a Harman Kardon surround sound system with 464 watts and 16 speakers. There are also two 10.2-inch touchscreens to serve the second row. As for driver assist systems, the X7 gets the full Driving Assistant Professional package.

The X7 is available in seven colours, which are Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Artic Grey, Sophisto Grey, Phytonic Blue, Terra Brown and Vermont Bronze. Inside, one can choose from black, coffee and cognac perforated Vernasca leather upholstery. Made in Spartanburg, USA, the biggest car BMW produces will be available here from September 2019.

Once again, the new BMW X7 is yours for RM888,800 on-the-road without insurance. The brand’s five-year warranty and free scheduled service, plus a two-year tyre warranty is included. With a balloon financing plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, this car can be yours for RM10,138 a month (80% loan, five-year tenure).

By the way, RM889k is a RM249k premium over the latest X5’s estimated price, but the X7 undercuts the RM999,888 Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 by a big margin. The X166 GLS has been replaced globally, and the new X167, revealed in April, will surely reach our shores in the near future. The Audi Q7 isn’t much smaller in size (just 88 mm shorter), but Munich doesn’t see the biggest Q car as a rival, positioning wise.

Check out our full walk-around video below, as X7 project manager Joerg Wunder takes us through the main selling points of the new flagship SUV, as well as the final details. So, are you impressed by this big fella? You can find full specifications of the new BMW X7 xDrive40i on CarBase.my.

GALLERY: BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence

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