The first-ever BMW X7 now available in Singapore

BMW Asia and Performance Motors Limited today announced the availability of the first-ever BMW X7, pulling back the covers on a new definition of automotive luxury in the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment. This SAV is the newest and largest model in the BMW X line-up: its outstanding powertrain and chassis technology, coupled with generous levels of space and advanced equipment deliver a luxurious driving experience at the highest level.

The first-ever BMW X7 represents the next stage in the premium carmaker’s ongoing model offensive in the luxury segment. Its increased presence in the class and the systematic expansion of the BMW X model portfolio are among the key areas the BMW Group has identified – as part of its NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy – to ensure sustained growth in the world’s car markets in the future. The SAV will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina – this centre of expertise for BMW X models also handles production of the BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X5 and BMW X6.

In Singapore, the first-ever BMW X7 is offered with 7 seats as standard in Design Pure Excellence. A special Launch Edition is available with 6 seats and in the choice of two versions – Design Pure Excellence and M Sport.

Exterior: a new measure of authority, luxury and modernity.

At 5,151 mm in length (with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm), 2,000 mm in width and 1,805 mm in height, the first-ever BMW X7 establishes itself clearly as the new head of the BMW X model family. Its high-impact presence is underscored by its upright front end, while the chrome elements that ring the car and accentuate its unique character also influence its distinctive appearance. Harmonious proportions, clearly-structured surfaces and precise lines lend the first-ever BMW X7 a modern and progressive aura.

The largest kidney grille ever designed for one of the brand’s models bestrides the front end of the first-ever BMW X7. Together with the slim twin headlights extending up to the grille, it emphasises the width of the car, allowing the first-ever BMW X7 to exude an inimitable presence. Form and function come together with the standard BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights – the blue X-shaped elements split up the hexagonal light sources inside the familiar BMW twin headlights, making a distinctive visual statement, while the range of the non-dazzling high beam reaches a maximum of 600 metres, providing excellent visibility for the driver. Slim LED front foglamps are integrated discreetly into the front apron on either side of the aluminium underguard. Another model-specific feature is the particularly large BMW roundel on the bonnet.

When viewed from the side, the large windows and long, dynamically flowing roofline of the first-ever BMW X7 hint at a spacious interior bathed in light. The rear doors are longer than the front doors, doing double duty of making for easy ingress and egress while emphasising the spaciousness of the SAV’s rear compartment. Clearly structured surfaces and an eye-catching character line rising up to the rear end are hallmarks of the brand’s new design language. In addition, the versatility of the first-ever BMW X7 is highlighted by its ample ground clearance and roof rails (standard on Design Pure Excellence). Chrome trim strips around the door sills extend up to the Air Breathers and continue in the rear apron – combined with the rounded contouring of the body-coloured wheel arches, these add a further touch of elegance to the SAV.

The rear end of the first-ever BMW X7 is broken up by horizontal lines and bordered by vertical separating edges, expressing the SAV’s sizeable dimensions. A chrome bar bridges the space between the slim LED rear lights, providing a clear segmentation of the rear – this design cue was previously only encountered at the rear of the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan. On the Design Pure Excellence models, classy exhaust tailpipe embellishers and the underguard positioned between them provide further touches of exclusiveness.

Pure Excellence and M Sport equipment packages and exclusive options from BMW Individual.

With the Design Pure Excellence option, the rich elegance of the first-ever BMW X7 comes through via the grille bars in Aluminium Matt, an array of accents in High-gloss Chrome, as well as 21-inch light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design. The M Sport package (optionally available on the Launch Edition) showcases the dynamic potential of the first-ever BMW X7 with extra-large air intakes, 22-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design and a distinctive look for the front apron, rear apron, and side skirts. Its sporting aura is accentuated by additional design elements in High-gloss Black or Black Chrome (the latter a shade reserved for BMW’s luxury-class models). Trim elements in High-gloss Chrome can be specified as an option.

Exclusive BMW Individual options are also available from the launch of the first-ever BMW X7 – these offer scope for customers to tailor the standard specification of their new SAV to their personal style. Among the items lending the car’s exterior design an even more rarefied air of exclusivity are the BMW Individual metallic paint finish Tanzanite Blue and 22-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels.

Interior: plentiful space, luxurious lighting, and advanced entertainment lay on an exclusive ambience.

Expansive surfaces and clear structures in the first-ever BMW X7 bring a fresh sensation of space to the luxury segment. The three rows of seats treat all occupants to an exceptional feeling of roominess within the SAV’s elegantly-appointed surrounds.

Large trim surfaces framed with electroplated accents on the instrument panel and centre console enhance the interior’s elegant aura. Amplifying this elegance is the ambient lighting system with its precise LED contour lighting for the instrument panel, centre console, and door trim. Using the iDrive control system, drivers can create their preferred light mood by selecting from six colour tones and a variety of settings. The ambient lighting system includes the Welcome Light Carpet – this illuminates the entry area to the car with a soft welcoming light when the doors are unlocked or opened. The Dynamic Interior Light feature takes the premium feel to the next level – the system emits pulsating light signals on the inner panelling of an open door when the engine is running, as well as on the instrument panel when there is an incoming phone call. For a further touch of exclusivity, ‘Crafted Clarity’ is available on the Launch Editions – this consists of high-quality glass applications on the gear selector, the start/stop button, the iDrive Controller and the audio system’s volume switch.

Continuing the luxurious ambience in the first-ever BMW X7 is a five-zone automatic climate control system with a control panel in the second and third row each, plus additional air vents for the third row of seats. The standard Ambient Air package further engages the senses with air ionisation infusing the interior with eight individually selectable scents. Additional premium touches include a “thermo” version of the cupholders in the centre console help to keep their containers cool or warm as required, as well as a wireless charging tray for compatible mobile phones.

Rounding off the generous feeling of space in the first-ever BMW X7 is an electrically-operated panoramic glass roof with three central glass elements in the front, centre, and rear. As a result, passengers in the third row can also enjoy the feeling of space enhanced by the light flooding into the interior. An electrically sliding headliner can be activated from a control panel in the front section of the roof to provide the desired shade. The rear section of the headliner can be operated from the third row of seats using a separate button. On the Launch Edition, the panoramic glass roof Sky Lounge generates a very special and exclusive aura when darkness falls, with LED light spreading evenly across the glass to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns, generating a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. The colour scheme of this atmospheric light show can be adapted as desired.

When all seats are in use, the first-ever BMW X7 offers 326 litres of load capacity. This increases to a maximum of 2,120 litres when the backrests of the seats in the second and third rows are folded down. The standard adaptive 2-axle air suspension allows the car to be lowered (at the touch of a button in the boot) to make loading easier. The SAV features a two-section split tailgate, both elements of which have electric opening and closing as standard. Comfort Access is also specified as standard, allowing for the tailgate to be operated automatically and hands-free.

Design Pure Excellence and M Sport package with bespoke interior elements.

The Design Pure Excellence and the M Sport package each create a distinctive ambience inside the first-ever BMW X7 with their special design features. Striking contrast stitching on the seat surfaces, trim elements in the colours of M GmbH, and specific design variations for the illuminated door sill plates set the two equipment lines apart. The M Sport package also includes an M Sport steering wheel, a BMW Individual headliner in anthracite-coloured Alcantara, M-specific detailing for the pedals, seat piping, plus exclusive interior trim strips.

Specially selected options from BMW Individual can be specified to tailor each SAV’s design to the owner’s individual style. Customers can choose from either BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim or bi-colour BMW Individual Merino full leather trim in Ivory White/Midnight Blue. Two particularly classy BMW Individual fine wood interior trim strips are also available.

Seven seats as standard, six seats on the special Launch Edition.

While the first-ever BMW X7 comes with seven seats as standard, buyers have the option of specifying their SAV with six seats in a special Launch Edition. In this version, the middle row features two extremely comfortable individual seats in a captain’s chair setup. These seats offer the same seating position adjustment as the driver and front passenger’s seats, and feature integrated armrests plus comfort cushions. The six-seater setup represents a first for an SAV, and creates an exceptionally luxurious ambience in the rear compartment.

No matter what seat configuration buyers choose for their car, every seat can be electrically adjusted, and the second-row seats in the X7 can slide longitudinally through 14.5 centimetres on the seven-seater. The backrests of the seats in the second row are electrically foldable and the seat can be fully tilted forward to make entry and exit as easy as possible for third-row passengers. All these can be controlled via buttons on the driver’s side and in the boot.

The fore-and-aft position of the second-row seats is adjusted using a control panel integrated into the driver’s door. Drivers of the first-ever BMW X7 can slide both their own seat and the front-passenger’s backwards and forwards at the touch of a button, allowing for an increase in legroom as well as the ease of entry/exit for the passengers in the second and third row of seats.

The standard Merino leather trim is available in four colour variants. All passengers enjoy the utmost levels of comfort – the driver’s and front passenger’s seats come with the heating, massage, and ventilation functions, while the seats in the second and third rows are heated.

Powertrain and driving experience: first-class comfort meets versatile performance.

With its powerful engine, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and newly-developed chassis technology, the first-ever BMW X7 promises a blend of dynamism and poise that is unrivalled in the luxury segment.

The six-cylinder in-line petrol unit for the BMW X7 xDrive40i features the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with 340 hp of power available between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm. A maximum 450 Nm of torque is available from a low 1,500 rpm all the way to 5,200 rpm. Power is channeled through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission – its most recent incarnation boasts a wider gear ratio spread and new control electronics. This reduces engine speeds, particularly in higher gears, which in turn helps to increase the drive system’s overall efficiency. The transmission is fitted with a new generation of torsion dampers to limit rotational irregularities in the powertrain, resulting in enhanced ride comfort and smoother gear changes. Comfort is given a further boost by reduced converter slip, while the optimised hydraulic control enables even sportier shifting.

The latest generation of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system now varies how the drive torque is split between the front and rear wheels with greater precision than ever. The electronically-controlled all-wheel-drive system links up with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to provide effortless and sure-footed handling, no matter the road and weather conditions. For added efficiency, full drive power can be directed to the rear wheels when required. The xDrive system also maintains a rear-biased set-up when the car’s dynamic performance abilities are being put to the test, ensuring customers enjoy the signature BMW driving experience.

Perfectly tuned chassis technology for comfort, agility, and off-road performance.

The chassis technology of the first-ever BMW X7 is perfectly in tune with its specific vehicle concept and masterful powertrain technology. Its design principle, based on a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, ticks all the right boxes when it comes to providing both luxurious ride comfort and the customary agility of BMW vehicles.

Ride comfort in the SAV is further enhanced by its two-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling. The suspension’s air supply is individually controlled for each wheel using a remarkably quiet, electrically-driven compressor with pressure reservoir, making it possible to balance out an unevenly loaded car. Thanks to the link-up with the DSC system, the vehicle load registered by the air suspension sensors is factored into braking modulation. When SPORT driving mode is engaged or the car’s speed exceeds 138 km/h, the ride height is automatically lowered by 20 millimetres.

The driver is also able to adjust the body’s ground clearance by pushing a button in the cockpit to raise it in two stages to a maximum 40 millimetres above the standard setting. Another button in the luggage compartment activates a loading mode that lowers the car by 40 millimetres. The next time the engine is started, the system automatically reverts to the last selected mode. The desired vehicle ride height can also be set with the engine switched off via the buttons in the car or the BMW Display Key.

With the Integral Active Steering feature, the rear wheels are turned in either the same or the opposite direction as the front ones, depending on the road speed. This lends a remarkable agility to the first-ever BMW X7, allowing for nimble cornering, effortless lane changes, and assured darting through city traffic. Integral Active Steering therefore makes light work of manoeuvring into and out of tight parking spots, while also increasing stability when overtaking at motorway speeds.

For supremely assured yet also dynamic handling abilities, there is the Executive Drive Pro option which adds active roll stabilisation. This system employs electric swivel motors which enable remarkably swift and precise compensation of body roll especially when powering through corners. Not only does this facilitate agility and handling stability when turning into corners, it helps optimise traction when accelerating out the other side. The system has the additional effect of increasing straight-line driving comfort by actively countering the vibrations triggered by bumps on one side of the road.

The optional Off-Road package can be immediately identified by its rugged underguard elements. The Off-Road package also features its own special graphics in the instrument cluster and Control Display, as well as an extra button on the centre console for selecting four driving modes. These allow the car’s set-up to be adjusted in a variety of ways with the help of the standard two-axle air suspension. With xSnow, xSand, xGravel and xRocks modes at their disposal, drivers can activate the ideal settings for the vehicle’s ride height, the xDrive system, accelerator response, transmission control and the DSC system’s corrective inputs in preparation for the surface in question.

Technology:  enhancing comfort and safety with the Driving Assistant Professional.

The progressive luxury of the first-ever BMW X7 is further encapsulated by the comprehensive array of driver assistance systems. They ease the driver’s workload in monotonous driving conditions, such as traffic jams and heavy flowing traffic, and make it easier to stay in complete control in awkward traffic situations. In a nutshell, these systems mark the latest advances on the road to automated driving.

The Driving Assistant Professional system offers extensive assistance to make driving as safe and as comfortable as possible. This comprehensive package includes the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant including the Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection.

The Steering and lane control assistant is able to lend a hand with guiding the vehicle through narrow channels, such as those encountered in areas where there are roadworks. Its hands-on-wheel detection is very sensitive and recognises contact even when only a few fingers briefly touch the wheel. The cockpit also has an interior camera monitoring the position of the driver’s head to determine whether he or she is still paying attention to the road. If so, the length of time without any hand contact on the steering wheel can be extended to a maximum of 60 seconds.

The Lane Change Assistant can be used on motorways and dual carriageways whenever the Steering and lane control assistant system is active. Another component of the system is the evasion aid, which can help avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians suddenly appearing in the driver’s path. As soon as an evasive manoeuvre corresponding to such a scenario is detected, the system helps the driver manoeuvre the vehicle into a clear adjacent lane with steering inputs.

The wealth of assistance systems contained in the Driving Assistant Professional’s suite of features also comprises Crossing traffic warning, which reduces the risk of a collision when manoeuvring forwards or in reverse towards crossing traffic where visibility is restricted. Rear Collision warning, Priority warning, Wrong-way warning and Lane Change Warning are similarly included in the package. The latest version of Lane Departure Warning now includes active steering inputs to bring the vehicle back into the intended lane.

For parking and manoeuvring with the greatest of ease – Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assistant.

The first-ever BMW X7 is equipped with Park Distance Control (PDC) including sensors at both the front and rear of the vehicle. The Parking Assistant automatically selects and manoeuvres into spaces parallel to the road, taking care of acceleration and braking, steering, and any necessary gear changes. The rear view camera is designed to afford drivers an excellent all-round view, as are the Top View, Panorama View and 3D View functions included in the Parking Assistant Plus package. These work together to create a 360° image of the vehicle and the surrounding area on the Control Display. The Remote 3D View function additionally gives drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone.

A further illustration of BMW’s ongoing progress towards automated driving is provided by the Reversing Assistant. When leaving a parking space or manoeuvring in a confined area, this function offers a level of assistance as yet unmatched by any other manufacturer. The Reversing Assistant offers the highly convenient facility of automated reversing in confined spaces or situations where the driver does not have a clear view, such as in multi-storey car parks. To do this, it stores the steering movements for any section the car just drove forward along at a speed of no more than 36 km/h. The system is initiated by pressing a button when the vehicle is stationary and the gear selector is in the “P” position. The system is then able to reverse the vehicle for distances of up to 50 metres by steering it along exactly the same line it took when moving forward; all the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals and monitor the surrounding area. The car can be backed up in this way at speeds of up to 9 km/h. The forward steering movements are retained by the system even for longer periods – for example, this means the Reversing Assistant can be used to manoeuvre the SAV backwards out of a parking position that it drove into the preceding day. 

Exactly the right information at just the right time – the BMW Operating System 7.0.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional comprises of two 12.3-inch screens – a digital instrument cluster, and a Control Display. This package of equipment also features an adaptive navigation system and a hard-drive-based multimedia system with 20 GB of memory. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional brings BMW Operating System 7.0 to the first-ever BMW X7 – in its latest iteration, the system is geared even more closely to the driver’s personal needs.

The system’s clear presentation and structuring are designed to provide drivers with the right information at the right time. For instance, the redesigned information display in the centre of the instrument cluster now leaves enough room for an excerpt from the navigation map. In the main menu on the Control Display, the driver is able to create and individually configure up to 10 pages, with each page showing two to four tiles with live content. Both the content and the graphics are personalised to an even greater degree, as illustrated by the vehicle mock-up that matches the actual model colour and equipment line. The Control Display graphics adapt depending on the operating method, and the voice control system based on natural language understanding is better than ever. The gesture control now includes two extra gestures, bringing the total to seven. Depending on the situation, the driver can input commands from the familiar iDrive Controller, the steering wheel controls, touch control, voice control, or gesture control.

The first-ever BMW X7 also lets passengers mould the driving experience in ways they have never done before. With the driver’s consent, they are able to connect their smartphones to the car using the Connected Command function and then use them to control selected functions. This allows for passengers to help ease the driver’s workload by e.g. checking out the journey’s route via BMW Connected, or adjusting the on-board entertainment programme and climate control settings.

The Live Cockpit Professional allows the booking of digital services with total flexibility, as new or existing services can be added at any time. In future, BMW customers will be able to download additional digital services at a later date from the ConnectedDrive Store and install them in their car via Remote Software Upgrade. Services can be booked in this way for periods of three months, one year or three years.

Digital, intelligent, and totally connected – the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Standard specification for the first-ever BMW X7 includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, – it is an intelligent, digital companion that responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant represents a revolution in driving pleasure from the BMW Group; it marks the start of a new era in which drivers will increasingly be able to operate their car, access its functions and obtain information simply by speaking. Updates that can be carried out seamlessly on a smartphone and in-car by Remote Software Upgrade will ensure the range of functions and capabilities on offer is continuously expanded.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant learns routines and habits, and is subsequently able to apply them in the appropriate context. It helps the driver by learning his/her preferences – for example, it is familiar with the seat heating settings, or the places they navigate to frequently (“Take me home”). One unique feature compared with other digital assistants of this type is the option of giving it a personally selected name (such as “Charlie”) to lend it even greater individuality and personality. Not only does the assistant await the driver’s every command, it’s always there to assist him/her and even provide casual conversation. It is familiar with the vehicle’s functions and is able to operate them as required. Saying “Hey BMW, I’m cold” will prompt the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant to adjust the temperature inside the car accordingly. Ongoing improvement of the technology will enable it to learn more and more preferences and favourite settings in future. The assistant gets better and better with every command given, every question asked, and every setting made.

The arrival of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant ensures there is always a genuine BMW professional on board. It is able to explain all sorts of different functions (“How does the High Beam Assistant work?”), provide current status information (“Is the oil level okay?”) and help answer questions (“How far can I drive before I need to refuel?”). It also knows the driver’s favourite settings, and can even activate a combination of them to enhance well-being. For instance, “Hey BMW, I feel tired” triggers a vitality programme that adjusts the lighting mood, music and temperature, among other things, in order to make the driver feel more awake.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant even attends to the driver’s sense of well-being with its Caring Car function. This includes vitality and relaxation programmes, which activate a carefully orchestrated combination of various functions – such as the air conditioning, seat massage, fragrance or music – to refresh or relax the driver while he/she is at the wheel. There is also a choice of four in-car experiences geared perfectly to suit the driver’s current mood: Executive, Expressive, Private and Wellbeing. The desired programme can be started with the help of the personal assistant by saying “Hey BMW, I’m tired” or “Hey BMW, activate Executive mode”. This active enhancement of the driver’s sense of comfort also has the effect of increasing road safety by ensuring the driver deals with stress and fatigue while on the go.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant forms part of the standard specification in the first-ever BMW X7, together with the Live Cockpit Professional and new BMW Operating System 7.0, and is included free of charge for the first three years. The scope of functions can be extended with the Connected Package Professional.

Turning the smartphone into a car key – the BMW Digital Key.

The BMW Digital Key employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to allow the first-ever BMW X7 to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone, dispensing with the need for a conventional car key. Simply holding the smartphone up to the door handle opens the car. Once the phone has been placed in the wireless charging tray, the engine can be started.

The BMW Digital Key offers unrivalled flexibility as the driver can share it with up to five other people via BMW Connected. Currently, the BMW Digital Key is available for all NFC-capable Samsung Galaxy smartphones running Android 8.0 or higher. Alternatively, customers can use the BMW Key Card – this sophisticated option also features NFC technology and offers the same functionality as a suitably equipped smartphone.

Always up to date – Remote Software Upgrade.

The Remote Software Upgrade feature keeps the first-ever BMW X7 right up to date with the latest software. All updates can be imported over the air, either on a smartphone via BMW Connected. Installation is every bit as simple as a smartphone update. The content of the upgrades can vary from quality enhancements and new software services to improved vehicle functions.

The first-ever BMW X7 is now available for viewing at the Performance Motors Limited showroom.