2024 BMW X7 xDrive40i bolsters luxury SUV range

The local BMW X7 line-up will be bolstered later this year when a new entry-level xDrive40i variant touches down during the fourth quarter, priced from $167,900 plus on-road costs.

Swapping out the equivalent xDrive40d’s turbo-diesel engine for a similarly-sized but more athletic turbo-petrol engine, the 2024 BMW X7 xDrive40i will be positioned $7000 below its diesel counterpart and feature an identical standard equipment list beyond the differing powertrains.

That means all of the newcomer’s price advantage is provided by its new 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine, which outputs more power (280kW v 259kW) but significantly less torque (540Nm v 720Nm) than the six-cylinder diesel.

Its power and weight advantages yield a 5.8sec 0-100km/h sprint time – 0.1s faster than the gutsier diesel – with the help of BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

However, the flipside of this marginal performance gain is inferior fuel economy of 9.6-10.6L/100km compared to the diesel’s more frugal 8.0L/100km.

Standard equipment includes metallic paint, 22-inch light alloy wheels, powered split tailgate, Merino leather upholstery, black Alcantara headliner, five-zone climate control, a 14.9-inch curved ‘Control Display’, Comfort Seats, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, head-up display and panoramic glass roof.

Other spec highlights include Connected Package Professional, Driving Assistant Professional, electric sun blinds, ‘Iconic Glow’ illuminated grille, Parking Assistant Professional and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Customers will have the option of two distinct flavours for their new entry-level X7 when it arrives: the athletic M Sport styling package or classy Design Pure Excellence pack.

The former dials up the on-road presence via M front and rear aprons, black exterior trim, M Sport brakes with blue callipers, M Sport leather steering wheel, fine wood and ‘Fineline Black’ metallic trim, M-spec pedals and “access to M specific exterior paint finishes”.

In contrast, the Design Pure Excellence pack contains ‘satinated’ roof rails and window decor, pearl chrome exterior trim, silver underguard, unique alloy wheel design, sports leather steering wheel and ‘Fineline Stripe’ brown wood trim.

Even more gear and trinketry can be added via the myriad options packs and individual extras like the $9800 Connoisseur Suite pack (focus on interior comfort and luxury), $3200 M Sport Pro (performance enhancement), $1500 six-seat configuration, $2500 tow pack, $3000 M Multifunction seats and $8500 Bowers and Wilkins diamond surround sound system (20 speakers).

The new variant will arrive in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of the year and expand the local X7 portfolio out to three offerings.

As well as the diesel xDrive40d, the X7 range includes the flagship 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8-powered M60i.

How much does the 2024 BMW X7 cost?
xDrive40i – $167,900
xDrive40d – $174,900
M60i – $205,900
*Prices exclude on-road costs

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