2022 BMW X7 facelift revealed: price, specs and release date
BMW X7 luxury SUV is getting a mid-life update that gives this seven-seater revised looks, new technology and a 4.4-litre V8 flagship engine. Here's what we know so far...
On sale August | Price from £81,600
If Piers Morgan and the BMW X7 have something in common, it’s the widespread criticism they've received over the years. But while Morgan has a habit of offending people with his controversial comments, the negativity directed towards the X7 is down to its controversial looks. Perhaps that’s why it’s been given a makeover.
Surprisingly, the most ‘discussed’ feature – the enormous front grille – has actually been left unchanged. It no longer looks so out of proportion with everything else, though, because the facelifted X7 has new vertically stacked split headlights and a more pronounced air intake at the base of the bumper.
The rear bumper and tail lights have also been tweaked, and there's a wider choice of alloy wheels, ranging from 20 to 22in in diameter.
As before, the X7’s engine line-up includes a 375bhp 3.0-litre petrol (badged xDrive40i) and a 335bhp diesel (the xDrive40d). However, at the top of the range sits a new M60i performance variant, which uses a 523bhp 4.4-litre petrol V8. All engines feature mild-hybrid electrical assistance, which can reduce fuel consumption – although the M60i still manages only 21.2mpg officially.
Still, that's not really surprising given its output and the size of the car it's being asked to pull. The X7 is the biggest SUV in the BMW range and, at just over 5.1 metres long, it has space for adults in all its seats. In addition to the standard seven-seat layout, you can now order the BMW X7 as a six-seater. That swaps the three-person bench in the second row for two individually adjustable chairs.
As before, all models will have a 12.3in infotainment screen that can be operated by touch or using BMW's intuitive iDrive rotary control dial. In new versions, though, it flows directly into a second screen displaying the driver's instrumentation.
Standard kit on all models includes four-zone climate control and heated seats in the first two rows. The options list has everything from an eSim that gives you access to high-speed internet connections, to ‘iconic glow’ LED lights, which illuminate the front grille.
Pricing for the facelifted BMW X7 begins at £81,600 for the entry-level xDrive40i, £80,980 for the xDrive40d and £103,600 for the M60i. By comparison, the rival Mercedes GLS costs from £85,695 and the new Range Rover starts at £94,400.
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