Automotive

​BMW debuts gigantic new X7 SUV, a study in intelligent, adaptive luxury

​BMW debuts gigantic new X7 SUV, a study in intelligent, adaptive luxury
All new for 2019, BMW's X7 is its biggest SUV to date, complete with seven seats and an intelligent, adaptive luxury interior
All new for 2019, BMW's X7 is its biggest SUV to date, complete with seven seats and an intelligent, adaptive luxury interior
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2019 BMW X7: clamshell tailgate design
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2019 BMW X7: clamshell tailgate design
2019 BMW X7: look at the size of that kidney grille
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2019 BMW X7: look at the size of that kidney grille
2019 BMW X7: LaserLight headlights promise twice the visible distance of a standard LED headlight
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2019 BMW X7: LaserLight headlights promise twice the visible distance of a standard LED headlight
2019 BMW X7: 20-inch rims as standard, with options up to 22-inch
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2019 BMW X7: 20-inch rims as standard, with options up to 22-inch
2019 BMW X7: spacious cockpit
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2019 BMW X7: spacious cockpit
2019 BMW X7: glass-topped gear selector
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2019 BMW X7: glass-topped gear selector
2019 BMW X7: second row can be specified with three seats, or two really comfy ones
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2019 BMW X7: second row can be specified with three seats, or two really comfy ones
Fold forward the middle row and you've got access to a very comfy back row of two seats
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Fold forward the middle row and you've got access to a very comfy back row of two seats
2019 BMW X7: the middle row gets its own climate control and drink holders
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2019 BMW X7: the middle row gets its own climate control and drink holders
2019 BMW X7: sunroof tinting
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2019 BMW X7: sunroof tinting
2019 BMW X7: mood lighting even in the sunroof
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2019 BMW X7: mood lighting even in the sunroof
2019 BMW X7: a beefy beast
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2019 BMW X7: a beefy beast
2019 BMW X7: main dash
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2019 BMW X7: main dash
2019 BMW X7: a driver's eye view
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2019 BMW X7: a driver's eye view
2019 BMW X7: the option to let plenty of natural light in
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2019 BMW X7: the option to let plenty of natural light in
2019 BMW X7: elbow room in the driver's seat will not be an issue
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2019 BMW X7: elbow room in the driver's seat will not be an issue
2019 BMW X7: heated and cooled drink holders
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2019 BMW X7: heated and cooled drink holders
2019 BMW X7: another look for the rear seats
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2019 BMW X7: another look for the rear seats
2019 BMW X7: view from the back seats
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2019 BMW X7: view from the back seats
2019 BMW X7: control interfaces include the circular iDrive controller
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2019 BMW X7: control interfaces include the circular iDrive controller
2019 BMW X7: decent trunk space with the seats up
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2019 BMW X7: decent trunk space with the seats up
2019 BMW X7: huge trunk space with the seats folded forward
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2019 BMW X7: huge trunk space with the seats folded forward
2019 BMW X7: navigation and climate control interfaces
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2019 BMW X7: navigation and climate control interfaces
2019 BMW X7: a face built to chew logs and build dams
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2019 BMW X7: a face built to chew logs and build dams
2019 BMW X7: adaptive luxury touring
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2019 BMW X7: adaptive luxury touring
2019 BMW X7: not unattractive from the side
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2019 BMW X7: not unattractive from the side
All new for 2019, BMW's X7 is its biggest SUV to date, complete with seven seats and an intelligent, adaptive luxury interior
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All new for 2019, BMW's X7 is its biggest SUV to date, complete with seven seats and an intelligent, adaptive luxury interior
2019 BMW X7: optional off-road modes add to the X7's multi-terrain capabilities
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2019 BMW X7: optional off-road modes add to the X7's multi-terrain capabilities
2019 BMW X7: poised to take on the similarly colossal Mercedes GLS
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2019 BMW X7: poised to take on the similarly colossal Mercedes GLS
2019 BMW X7: room for a large family
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2019 BMW X7: room for a large family
2019 BMW X7
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2019 BMW X7
View gallery - 31 images

Launching in 2019, BMW's brand new X7 sets new standards of colossal bigness for the Bavarian brand, starting with a beaver face comprising the "largest kidney grille in BMW history." It also promises plenty of high-tech goodies, intelligent, adaptive luxury trim and an "agile and versatile" drive … for its size.

Let's get that size out of the way. The X7 is 5,151 mm (202.8 in) long, 2,000 mm (78.7 in) wide and 1,805 mm (71 in) tall, making it the biggest Beemer in the catalog. That allows it to run either six- or seven-seat layouts (depending on whether you want two or three seats in the middle) with "uncompromised space in the third row."

2019 BMW X7: another look for the rear seats
2019 BMW X7: another look for the rear seats

Back-row passengers shouldn't feel too short-changed, either, apart from the whole lack of a dedicated door issue – but they do get their own armrests, cup holders, electric seats and USB charging ports. And if nobody's back there, the back two rows can be folded forward to boost luggage space from 326 L up to an enormous 2,120 L that might have some vans looking sideways at you. The tailgate is a split clamshell design, so you can pretend you're rocking a Rolls-Royce Cullinan as you slide your muddy mountain bike in the back.

2019 BMW X7: huge trunk space with the seats folded forward
2019 BMW X7: huge trunk space with the seats folded forward

Standard interior features include Vernasca leather trim, a four-zone automatic climate control, a three-section panoramic glass roof, and ambient lighting – including glowing welcome mats. There's also an "ambient air" package offering eight different fragrances, which is a remarkable addition, and a pumping 1,500 watt, 20-speaker 3D surround sound system from Bowers & Wilkins.

Up front, the new Live Cockpit Professional dash gives you two 12.3-inch screens, one as your main dash and one as a control screen. You've got the option to use touchscreen, the iDrive controller, gesture control and buttons on the steering wheel, but BMW is putting a lot of work into its "hey BMW" voice control system, to the point where you can ask it "how's my oil level," or tell it you're feeling a bit tired, in which case it'll adjust things like mood lighting, music and temperature to help you stay focused.

It doesn't stop there. A "caring car" function adjusts all these things, as well as the ambient light/shade levels, the aroma in the cabin, the heated and cooled seats and things like massage seat functions to suit your mood. This car is clearly trying its best to create a range of different atmospheres in a way even the smartest of smart homes would struggle to match.

2019 BMW X7: elbow room in the driver's seat will not be an issue
2019 BMW X7: elbow room in the driver's seat will not be an issue

Keyless entry goes to the next level by not even requiring you to carry a coded fob – you can enter and start the car as long as you've got your smartphone on you.

Speaking of phones, the X7 has a nice wide tray for them to live in, with a lid and wireless charging, situated right by the heated and cooled beverage holders and in front of a glass-topped gear selector that looks like it belongs on the end of a cane.

2019 BMW X7: glass-topped gear selector
2019 BMW X7: glass-topped gear selector

In terms of driver assist, the X7 doesn't offer any kind of hands-off autonomy, but short of that, you name it and it's there. Adaptive cruise with speed limit assist that goes all the way down to stop/start speeds, steering and lane control assist, evasion aid, and auto emergency braking are all in there, as are cross-traffic, priority and wrong-way warnings, a latest-gen head-up display and fully automated parking.

Moving to the meat of the car, the X7 will launch with a range of engine options, each paired with an 8-speed transmission and xDrive intelligent AWD. The muscle king of the motors is the xDrive50i gasoline V8, which makes 456 hp (340 kW), while the efficiency king is the six-cylinder diesel xDrive30d, which gets a very impressive 6.5 L/100km (43.5 mpg) considering the size of this thing. There are several other options, but nothing electric or hybrid as yet – although those are sure to follow.

2019 BMW X7: poised to take on the similarly colossal Mercedes GLS
2019 BMW X7: poised to take on the similarly colossal Mercedes GLS

Wheels are 20 inches as standard, with up to 22 inches available as options, and suspension includes air springs at both axles and electronic damping. Options abound throughout the car, and include an off-road package that enables separately tailored driving modes for sand, gravel, rocks and snow.

The overall impression is one of size, space and intelligent, high-tech luxury that strives to always be ready to provide the perfect environment. It's presumably focused on the American market, where the X7 should be well placed to take on Mercedes-Benz's equally massive and luxurious GLS.

The X7 will be produced at BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and will hit showrooms in March 2019.

Check it out in the video below.

Source: BMW

The first-ever BMW X7. Official Launch Film.

View gallery - 31 images
4 comments
4 comments
Kalavo
Terribly cliche ad. Depressing
guzmanchinky
I was wondering when BMW would offer a GLS size model! Cool. Do the overhead lights look like Spiderman's eyes? Beautiful machine, I'm sure it will be excellent, as most BMW's are. And never used off road. Of course... :)
highlandboy
Wow!!! You can enter and start with just your phone. So Tesla. Just years later.
Jason Catterall
Awful, awful video. Reminds me of an 80's music video but in all the worst possible ways.