Facelifted BMW X7 Faces an Uncertain Future

New powertrains, new tech and new style for facelifted X7.

BMW’s monster seven-seater SUV has just emerged from a surprisingly comprehensive update. The X7 facelift brings extensive changes, both to the sheet metal and under the skin. They carry the model into an uncertain future in the face of ever more draconian emissions laws.

With this X7 Facelift We Did a Lot – BMW

On the face of it, the basically all-new X7 facelift gets a larger new kidney grille and fresh matrix head and fog light treatment. A few new colors help usher in a fundamentally different new look. “Either you do very little with a facelift or you do a lot,” BMW luxury boss Christian Tschurtschenthaler explains. “With the X7 we decided on the latter.”

So, rather than just disappearing quietly as part of combustion engine extinction, the 5.57 yard long 3-ton X7 is going out with a bang. Literally all-new from end to rear, everything about this sovereign SUV is new. From powertrains to recovered ‘sea plastic’ carpeting.

X7 facelift’s three new 48-volt mild hybridized engines are built for ultimate driving pleasure. They gain a 12 HP, 150 lb.-ft starter generator integrated to BMW’s renowned ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. It works as both an electric booster and a generator to harvest energy and charge its own battery.

X7 Facelift Keeps Combustion Power

That’s mated to a 530 HP 553 lb.-ft 4.4-litre bank-symmetrical biturbo V8 in the creamy range-topping M60i. The flagship also gets fully variable, rear-biased all-wheel drive with an M Sport rear differential, all-wheel steering, active roll stabilization and air suspension.

Of greatest technical interest, however, is the clever new 380 HP 383 lb.-ft Miller Cycle straight six M40i. Its electrically adjusted camshafts and active coil bring universal valve control and a longer duration ignition spark. To prevent gas exchange and reduce frictional losses. Energy harvested through this process then powers the hybrid starter generator.

BMW has not forgotten its X7 diesel fans. A new 352 HP 553 lb.-ft 48V mild hybrid 3-liter turbodiesel 40d gains revised injection and steel pistons.

More Tech, More Kit for New X7

X7 packs in more technology, more standard equipment. Its spacious, high-quality, four-zone climate cabin has the option of quilted leather seats and a panoramic roof. The third row has room for two big boned adults. A stubby eight-speed automatic shifter makes space for a far larger console compartment in front.

A broad new one-piece curved dash and infotainment display houses X7’s functional and diverse infotainment. It has improved voice control and retains the traditional iDrive push dial. It happily also retains essential buttons knobs, and a physical volume control. Cockpit Instrumentation styles change according to the driving mode, or via an animated light bar.

X7 ushers in BMW’s latest Operating System 8 software generation. It heralds even more cohesive interaction between the on-board network’s computer, cameras, sensors, and assistance systems. BMW promises it’s now all another level higher, faster, better including. An improved steering system is now better integrated with latest driver assistance aspects.

X7 Facelift Faces an Uncertain Future

Even if it remains a niche model, this BMW X7 facelift makes an unmistakable step forward. It’s fresh, contemporary interior, modern combustion engines and comprehensive assistance systems add to its natural comfort luxury and space advantages.

All that is likely to attract many new customers to the luxury segment. Even threatened, as it is.

Images: BMW

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