In the three weeks since the unveiling of the new BMW X7, the internet remains divided on the German automaker’s new range-topping SUV.
For some, the vehicle’s exterior design is a bit OTT, particularly due to the presence of a front grille that’s so massive it could suck small birds into another dimension like a powerful black hole. Thankfully, it appears as though the X7 can be made to look more elegant, as long as it is specced the right way.
The video below offers an up-close look at the new X7 in M50d guise. Compared to the cars seen in BMW‘s official launch photos, the X7 in this clip has been outfitted with a number of M Performance parts which help with the looks.
For starters, this X7 is outfitted with a brushed aluminum grille and a beefed-up front bumper that wouldn’t look out of place on a full-blown X7 M model. Additionally, the big SUV includes a set of sporty wheels, aluminum wing mirror caps, and large dual tailpipes at the rear.
Inside, there is lots of leather, as you would expect from a vehicle aiming to rival the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Alongside all the luscious leather, this X7 M50d includes black alcantara across the headliner, a host of wooden trimmings across the dashboard and center console, and luxurious accent lighting just like various Mercedes-Benz models. All in all, it looks like a very comfortable place to sit.
For now, at least, the X7 M50d, for now at least, tops out the engine family in Europe and uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine delivering 394 hp and 560 lb-ft (760 Nm) of torque, allowing for a respectable 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.4 seconds and a 155 mph (250 km/h) limited top speed. The second diesel version, the xDrive30d, also packs a 3.0-liter six-cylinder, which produces 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and 457 lb-ft (620 Nm) of torque. This is good enough for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 141 mph (227 km/h).
The base petrol version is the X7 xDrive40i that’s powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 330 lb-ft (446 Nm) of torque. Like the rest of the pack, it is connected to an improved eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This setup enables the massive crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 152 mph (245 km/h) in Europe, or 130 mph (209 km/h in other markets.
Finally, there’s the X7 xDrive50i that has an updated version of the BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 479 lb-ft (648 Nm) of torque. The extra power cuts the 0-60 mph time (0-96 km/h) to 5.2 seconds, but the top speed is still limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).
To no one’s surprise, the two diesels won’t make it to the U.S. market. What’s weird is that the M50i won’t be available in Europe, where customers will choose between the two diesel units and the six-cylinder petrol. Perhaps that’s due to logistics and market allocation on BMW’s part, or the need to keep CO2 emissions in check. In any case, 5.4 seconds to 62 mph is just two seconds of the top petrol unit, so it’s not really an issue.