BMW X7 gets major mid-life update, with a new design, upgraded interior, and mild-hybrid engines; due in Singapore later this year

SINGAPORE

BMW has given its X7 luxury SUV a mid-life update, with the car getting a major redesign, upgraded interior, improved tech and new mild-hybrid engines. The facelifted X7 is expected to arrive in Singapore around the third quarter of this year, with pricing details to be announced closer to its arrival date.

The most distinctive visual change on the updated X7 is the new split headlight treatment, which is a significant departure from the pre-facelift model. The upper portion of the headlights houses the daytime running lights (DRLs) and indicators, while the lower section contains the main headlight elements, and incorporates adaptive matrix projectors.

The front bumper has also been redesigned, with new air vents designed to enhance cooling and aerodynamics, while giving the car a more aggressive look. The X7 also now gets the Iconic Glow illuminated grille, which is standard on the flagship M60i xDrive model, and available as an option for the other variants.The rear gets more subtle changes, with the taillights and chrome bar across the tailgate slightly tweaked to be more streamlined.

The interior of the X7 has also been upgraded, and features the same BMW curved display that was first seen on the BMW iX. It combines a 12.3-inch driver instrument panel with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the system runs on the latest BMW OS 8 operating system. The centre console has also been slightly revised, with the gear selector and iDrive controller, ventilation units and lighting elements all getting redesigned.

We tested the BMW X7 in Singapore back in 2019

Under the bonnet, the X7 gets a new set of mild-hybrid powerplants, which incorporate a 48-volt starter-generator that helps add extra electronic boost to assist with off-the-line acceleration, and allows for engine-off coasting to further enhance efficiency.

For Singapore, the relevant model is likely to be the X7 xDrive40i, which uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six that produces 380hp and 540Nm of torque, an increase of 47hp and 70Nm of torque. With the mild hybrid system in place, BMW claims that the xDrive40i is able to return an average fuel consumption figure of up to 9.2L/100km.

The top-of-the-line model remains the X7 M60i xDrive, which features a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that also incorporates the 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The unit produces 530hp and 750Nm of torque, and is good for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.7 seconds.

The X7 has been a relatively niche seller in Singapore ever since its introduction here in 2019, given its size and price point that starts north of half a million dollars. But with luxury cars recording healthy sales on the back of persistently high COE prices, the X7 could become a compelling choice for buyers seeking to put their money into a high-end luxury SUV.

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