The M60i version relies on an all-new V8 engine
The BMW X7 has changed a lot in the middle of its “life” and is now even closer to perfection.
It so happened that I drove the powerful BMW X7 M60i test variant right after I had tried the qualities of a classic luxury and large SUV. The Bavarian crossover is also impressive in size, but it has nothing in common with the feeling of driving most modern and expensive SUVs, where you seem to float on the road like a large ocean liner. The feeling behind the wheel of the Beemwe is more like a slightly lifted big sports car with huge capabilities than a normal SUV. This, of course, comes as no surprise to those familiar with the capabilities of Bavarian engineers.
The X7 has a seriously revised design, especially at the front, but also with many technical improvements. One of them, and probably the most important, is the addition of a brand new V8 engine.
The engine, developed by the Bavarians’ sporty M division, is still a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8,
but with appropriate technology for motor sports
It also gets 48-volt mild hybrid technology with added power from an electric unit. The 48-volt mild hybrid motor has 12 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. The 48-volt system helps with both fuel economy and smooth auto-start-stop technology, not to mention standing start.
The powerful V8 engine produces 523 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. With it, the BMW M60i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The engine is eco-rated Euro 6d, so it should last for quite some time.
The luxury crossover has a huge curved display, and unfortunately, the classic buttons are already missing.
On winding roads, the BMW X7 M60i really shines. The V8 engine pulls hard in any gear with very little turbo lag. Thanks to the Dynamic Handling package, which adds active roll stabilization and integrated steering, the X7 M60i is unusually fun to drive. And here we are talking about one of the largest 7-seater SUVs on the market. Handling is pretty decent in a car of this size and weight, while the M differential keeps rear-end slip under complete control.
Overall, the BMW X7 M60i feels much smaller than its size – it drives with enviable ease despite its length of over 5 meters (try it if you don’t believe!). About the M Sport brakes, needless to say they are great as always.
At the same time, in city driving, the X7 M60i is one of BMW’s smoothest cars. Thanks to its 2-axle air suspension and rear steering, the X7 M60i
is easy to maneuver despite its size
It’s also remarkably quiet in the X7. The miles melt away when you’re behind the wheel. The tilting of the passenger compartment is practically eliminated and this creates a sense of calmness.
With a length of 5 meters, this Beemwe is one of the largest SUVs on the market.
Air suspension, retuned chassis systems and rear-wheel drive under normal conditions create an exceptional experience for both behind the wheel and for passengers.
Press a button for a driving mode, whether it’s ECO PRO, Comfort or Sport, and you immediately feel the difference. Peripheral lighting moves from blue to red or any other color you want, the body raises or lowers accordingly, the seats tighten or relax, and the chassis transforms to whatever you want.
In addition to its updated appearance, the X7 is now equipped with BMW’s updated iDrive 8 infotainment system and a curved display. Here, BMW goes all-in on a 12.3-inch curved display, mixed with a 14.9-inch central control unit.
The touchscreen has tablet-like tiles that can also be controlled via the typical iDrive rotary controller or by voice with the classic Hey BMW greeting. It even responds to hand gestures as part of the Premium package.
Still, there is one thing I wish BMW had left out. And those are the physical buttons.
Unfortunately, they have been removed from the dashboard
and the control of the climate system is now done with two clicks and a grope in the iDrive 8 system.
As with its new 7 Series and XM cousins, the BMW X7 facelift features split headlights at the front. Additionally, the BMW X7 M60i also gets M specific side skirts along with larger M emblems on the sides and new M gills. The brake calipers are available in a variety of colors including black and red.
The 2,600 kg luxury crossover offers comfort for seven people. In a configuration with 7 seats, the trunk has a limited volume of 300 liters. In its 5-seater version, you have an impressive 750 liters, and if you fold the backrests of the second row, it swells to 2120 liters.
When using all 7 seats, luggage space is limited for the sake of rider comfort.
In summary, it’s safe to say that the new X7 is one of the smoothest and most comfortable Beemvets ever made, even if it has to be compared to the 7 Series sedan.
2023-06-28 16:09:00
#BMW #approaches #perfection #test #drive
