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X7

Meet the biggest BMW yet

BMW has finally unveiled the definitive version of its monster BMW X7 SUV that shares much of its tech with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The Mercedes GLS and Range Rover chasing X7 is set for SA early next year as the largest SUV BMW yet as it grows the Bavarian carmaker’s SUV range to seven models contributing to over a third of all BMWs sold.

The Seven Series of the X range, the 5.2m long 2.2m wide 18m tall 2.4 tonne X7 is slightly longer and shorter than a Range Rover and the heaviest BMW yet. Boasting LED head and taillights, up to 22 inch wheels and a panoramic roof, expect a pair of 195kW xDrive30d and 250kW flagship M50d 3-litre straight-six turbodiesels, a 300kW xDrive40i turbo petrol six and plausibly a 340kW biturbo 4-litre V8 xDrive50i.

All turn that traditional eight-speed BMW autobox and rear-biased all-wheel drive and there’s an optional off-road package with snow, sand, gravel and rock driving modes X7's CLAR platform adapted from the X5 can accommodate plug-in powertrain, but there is no bi-power version planned as yet 

A contemporary BMW dash comes in a choice of of metal and wood trims with ambient lighting and a crystalline gear selector, while BMW’s iDrive 7.0 in-car infotainment tech features across dual 12.3-inch displays. X7 is a full seven-seat SUV, with a third row good to sit two adults, with an optional six-seat set-up with two large commander chairs in the middle row. Boot capacity is 326 litres with all seats in place, 725 litres with the third row stowed and of 2120 litres with five seats folded down.