A Presence on Par with the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS

As SUVs have proliferated, their distinct characters have naturally become more apparent.

Land Rover vehicles, for instance, prioritize off-road capability, while BMW's X series models are designed with on-road performance as their primary focus. The X4, in particular, offers driving dynamics that rival sports cars, a fact even acknowledged by its developers.



However, a new breed has emerged within BMW's predominantly on-road-focused SUV range: the X7. As the name suggests, it is larger than the X5, making it the most substantial SUV in BMW's current lineup. Its dimensions are 5151mm long, 2000mm wide, and 1805mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3105mm. It also marks BMW's first-ever standard three-row seating configuration.

I drove the X7 in America. We traveled approximately 700km in half a day, heading west from El Paso, Texas, a city on the border with Mexico, through New Mexico, and on to Scottsdale, Arizona.

The model driven was the "X7 xDrive40i," equipped with a 340ps 6-cylinder gasoline turbo engine.



Even in America, the X7 is imposing. It possesses a presence comparable to the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Beyond its sheer size, the prominent front grille, which seems to extend beyond the vehicle's upper limits, and the extensive use of chrome plating further accentuate its bold statement.

Its generous dimensions translate into ample interior space, offering a truly luxurious experience. Complementing the functional interior design of previous X5 and X6 models, the X7 adds a layer of opulence. For example, the shift lever grip is crafted from crystal glass, and the use of wood and leather accents leans towards a more glamorous aesthetic.

Both the instrument cluster and the center console display are large 12.3-inch LCD screens. The instrument cluster logic is also new, shared with the latest 3 Series, featuring virtual speedometer and tachometer needles that sweep outwards from the left and right edges.

Development Focused on Ride Comfort and Quietness

We merged onto the highway from downtown El Paso and headed west.

The first sensation was a soft, expansive ride. This is remarkably soft for BMW, a brand that has traditionally leaned towards a firmer, flatter suspension setup.

However, this softness is by no means uncomfortable. Instead, it's a refined comfort that conveys a sense of spaciousness and ease, perfectly suiting the character of the X7 as a large SUV. The advanced air suspension system likely plays a significant role.



Dr. Jörg Wunder, the project manager, stated that the primary focus for the X7's development was "ride comfort and quietness." I believe this goal has been thoroughly achieved, as the 700km journey was completed without any sense of fatigue.

Four driving modes are available: Comfort, Adaptive, Sport, and Sport Plus. Comfort mode offered consistent comfort, as did Adaptive. In Comfort mode, one can feel the damping firm up as the speed approaches around 50 mph. Sport and Sport Plus modes maintain a consistently firm suspension, making them more suitable for specific driving conditions and locations.



The X7's considerable size contributes to its weight of 2500kg. However, thanks to not only the powerful engine but also the intelligent 8-speed automatic transmission, acceleration was never an issue. The Japanese market will also offer a diesel engine variant, making its performance a point of interest.

Broadening the Horizons of the X Series

The X7's driver assistance systems have also been significantly updated.

On American highways, the drive consisted of long stretches of straight, open roads. In such conditions, driver assistance systems like ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist) proved to be invaluable companions.



ACC allows the vehicle to maintain a set following distance and maximum speed, adapting to the vehicle ahead. I make it a habit to always use ACC, whether in my own car or a test vehicle, and I consider it absolutely essential for long-distance highway driving, especially in America. I utilized the X7's ACC as much as possible. By delegating some control over following distance and speed to the car, my own cognitive load was reduced, leading to a noticeable decrease in fatigue.

Similarly, LKAS contributed to a safer and more comfortable long-distance journey. BMW's LKAS appears to have been updated to a new generation, a change also noticeable in the latest 3 Series. When the vehicle approaches crossing a lane line, it is gently but firmly guided back. The assist strength and activation timing also vary between right and left turns, demonstrating remarkably fine-grained control.

As mentioned, both ACC and LKAS support the driver, reducing fatigue and helping to prevent accidents. Their benefits are maximized on long drives like this one. I was able to enjoy the vast, stunning landscapes of the American Southwest unfolding through the windshield.



However, I regret not having the opportunity to test its off-road capabilities. The X7, along with the simultaneously updated X5, is the first BMW SUV to offer five adjustable ride heights, and I was eager to test its performance in conjunction with the "xDrive" all-wheel-drive system. When I mentioned this to Dr. Wunder, he responded with confidence, "That's a shame. I'm sure you would have been satisfied."

In any case, while the X7's large body and three-row seating are likely to draw attention, I discovered that its true essence lies not in being a strictly on-road-biased SUV like the X4, previous X5, or X6, but rather as an all-rounder capable of handling both on-road and off-road conditions. It is a highly comfortable luxury SUV equipped with the latest driver assistance systems, excelling in ride comfort and quietness. It has successfully broadened the scope of the X series.