Photo courtesy bmw.co.za

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Design

The front design of the new BMW X7 focused on BMW icons creating an impression of self-confidence and sportiness. 

Photo courtesy bmw.co.za

Interacting with the "BMW Iconic Glow" illuminated grille, progressive aspect.  Its grille bars with a complex double slat look in combination with exclusive chrome highlights set a unique accent.

Interior and comfort

Inside, the X7's dashboard is dominated by a massive, slightly curved digital display.  The panel features a 12.3-inch gauge cluster for the driver and a 14.9-inch touchscreen through which the infotainment system operates.  Many luxury features can also be found inside, including heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power steering wheel and ambient interior lighting. 

Photo courtesy bmw.co.za

However, we were irritated by how slowly the power-operated second-row captain's seat moved when we tried to let people in and out of the third row.  Similarly, the rear seats aren't particularly roomy for adults on extended drives.  Still, no one will complain about the X7's vast interior storage space.  While we only managed to fit three carry-on cases behind the third row, we fitted 33 in total with all rear seats stowed.

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Technology

The X7's infotainment and connectivity features are almost as cutting-edge as the vehicle's revolutionary design.  The centerpiece of these features is the iDrive 8 touchscreen which offers haptic feedback when pressed. 

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Offering an impressive array of standard and optional hardware, drivers will have no trouble connecting their devices to the in-dash display or staying in touch with potential passengers, who can use a Wi-Fi hotspot or a smartphone app for directions, remote lock and unlock functionality, and more.

Driving aids

Safety and Driver Assistance Features Every X7 has an assortment of driver assistance technologies as standard, in addition to several more advanced options.  For more information on the X7's crash test results, visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  Key safety features include Forward Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking.

Engines

The X7 has three gasoline engines and one diesel engine, called xDrive40i, xDrive50i, xDrive30d and M50d.  The top-of-the-line M60i is the flagship model.  All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, or optional rear-axle steering and active anti-roll bars that reduce body movement.

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 A 375-hp turbocharged inline-six powers the entry-level X7 xDrive40i, and the M60i features a 523-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8.  The Alpina XB7 has a specially tuned version of this V-8, which develops 630 horsepower.  All three engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.  Every X7 rides on air suspension with adaptive dampers and the chassis can be further improved with available rear-axle steering and active anti-roll bars that reduce body movement.  Both features are standard on the M60i, which has a sportier suspension setup by default.  The X7's smallest wheels are 21-inches in diameter, but BMW is now also offering 23-inches for the first time.