Christopher Wehner (right), managing director of BMW Group Asia, and Spencer Yu, BMW Philippines president, pose beside the BMW X7 during the launch at The Fifth at Rockwell. Eugene Araneta
Last week, BMW Philippines introduced the first-ever BMW X7 SUV, and it is the largest model in the X lineup. BMW calls the X7 its largest “Sport Activity Vehicle,” making it the flagship SAV. It is the first of its kind to blend the versatility of an SUV and the commanding presence, spaciousness and exclusivity of a luxury sedan. Having the best of both worlds, the BMW X7’s stately and imposing presence is matched by top-class interior and state-of-the-art equipment features. But do not let the chic interior and elegant sheet metal fool you; BMW’s advanced powertrain and chassis technology ensures the X7 can handle all sorts of off-road terrain. Just like any off-roading 4×4 SUV or pickup, it can take any kind of punishment but offer better ride comfort and the agile on-road handling for which BMW SAVs are renowned.
Since 2017, BMW is imported and distributed by SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (SMCACDC), and is a wholly-owned Filipino company under San Miguel Corporation, chaired by businessman Ramon S. Ang. Mr. Ang is a known avid and very discerning car collector, and the BMW X7 is definitely one vehicle one can find him regularly using from now on.
The X7 stands just a bit over 1.8 meters tall, 2 meters wide and 5.151 meters long. Its imposing dimensions carries a wheelbase of 3.105 meters giving more than ample room for its passengers and cargo space. BMW’s new design language which is dominated by precise lines and expansive surfaces, further intensifies the vehicles stately figure.
Starting with the front end, the X7’s exceptionally large and bold pair of BMW kidney grille gives one the impression of its stately appearance, and is paired with LED fog lights–the BMW’s Laserlight headlight technology, offering a high-beam range of up to 600 metres and can be easily identified by the blue x-shaped elements inside the headlights. The side profile and greenhouse features large windows, a high ground clearance; and a long roofline gives the passengers a very luxurious cabin cruiser feel. At the rear, its horizontal lines, slim LED lights and the two-section split tailgate completes the design elements of the new X7. The Pure Excellence design trim as what BMW calls it, gets a number of chrome elements that typifies luxurious sedans. With an SAV as big as the X7, BMW uses 21-inch light-alloy wheels with runflat tires.
Inside, the three row 7-seater has all the roominess and versatility of a full size SUV, including its two passengers on the third row, that is fitted with full-sized seats complete with armrests, cupholders and USB ports. The boot capacity can be increased from 326 to a maximum of 2,120 litres, as required. The BMW Individual Extended Leather Trim “Merino” upholstery is standard finish for the seats and sidings, and have five-zone automatic climate control, as well as Ambient Air package, Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, Crafted Clarity glass applications, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, Rear-seat Entertainment Professional system, Luggage-compartment Package, and ambient lighting, including the Welcome Light Carpet.
The BMW X7 is currently only available with a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder diesel with an output of 195 kW/265 hp and 620 Nm of torque mated with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, paired to the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Underneath, the X7 made full use of BMW’s chassis technology including Adaptive Suspension with electronically controlled dampers, and air springs on both axles, allowing its ground clearance to vary up to 80 millimetres to suit the situation at hand.
Standard driver assistance goodies and safety features abound in the X7 like its
Antilock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and Active Protection closes any windows and tightens seatbelts when the system detects an accident about to happen. It also includes Parking Assistant Plus, which offers a range of functions including Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, together with rear view camera and surround view. Its integral active steering helps improve road safety and comfort by turning the rear wheels slightly when needed, and adjusts the weight of the steering feel for optimum maneuverability.
The price for admission in owning the largest and most awesome BMW SAV in the X7 xDrive30d Pure Excellence trim is at P9,290,000.00. It comes with a 5-year, 200,000-kilometer manufacturer’s warranty – a new standard in the premium automotive segment in the Philippines.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
