The newest and by far largest model in the BMW X line-up uses revised powertrain options and chassis technology.
The new 2019 BMW X7 is now the fifth model to be produced in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The new X7 will be added to the vehicles – X3, X4, X5 and X6 – that are produced every day at BMW Group’s largest global production plant at 1400 vehicles a day. During 2017, the 10,000 employees of Plant Spartanburg produced 371,284 vehicles, 70% of which (272,346), were exported to 140 countries around the world. This by rough calculation makes BMW the largest exporter of vehicles from the U.S. by value.
To date, the BMW Group has invested $8 billion in Plant Spartanburg that is supported by 40 suppliers in the SC area and 300 suppliers across the U.S. The current manufacturing capacity is 450,000 vehicles and a further 1,000 new jobs are expected to be added by 2021. Since the plant opened on September 8, 1994, 3.9 million BMWs have been built at the South Carolina location.
The 2019 BMW X7 offers standard three row seating for 7 with optional second-row Captain’s Chairs offering a seating for 6. Standard two-axle air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels and advanced driver assistance systems help passenger comfort and all-weather and all-terrain capability – at least on paper.
The newest and largest model in the BMW X line-up uses revised powertrain options and chassis technology. It’s gigantic at 203.3 inches in length, 78.7 inches wide and 71.1 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 122.2 inches., A different use of forms at BMW is claimed, dominated by structured surfaces and precise lines. In keeping with the brand management cliché’ , X7 has the largest kidney grill ever designed for a BMW model.
Power and Performance
The new 2019 BMW X7 launches with a choice of two updated gasoline engines. At the top is X7 xDrive50i, with a revised 4.4-liter V8 engine. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine found under the hood of the X7 xDrive40i is also available. All engines route their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive helps ensure that power is transferred into progress – on or off road. The TwinPower Turbo technology in both gasoline engines features turbocharging, “High Precision” Injection, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and variable camshaft timing.
New V8 Engine
Fundamentally upgraded, the eight-cylinder engine in the BMW X7 xDrive50i has two turbochargers positioning in the “V” between the banks of cylinders on the 4.4-liter motor. Newly designed heat plates ensure effective thermal shielding for the crankcase and cylinder head. A new ignition system allows the engine to be restarted more smoothly and swiftly when the Auto Start Stop function is activated.
The new engine’s peak torque of 479 lb.-ft. is available over a broad rev range from 1,500 to 4,750 rpm, while its maximum output of 456 hp is on tap between 5,250 and 6,000 rpm. Yes, it’s high strung. This pulling power is available early and doesn’t tail off, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.
Inline-Six Cylinder
The X7 xDrive40i boasts the free-revving ability innate in all inline six-cylinder engines from BMW. The 3.0-liter uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection technology whose maximum pressure of 5,076 psi ensures the fuel is delivered in precise doses. The straight-six generates its maximum output of 335 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, while the peak torque 330 lb-ft is available from 1,500 – 5,200 rpm. The new BMW X7 xDrive40i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
Eight-speed Steptronic Transmission
Both engine variants of the new are linked to an “improved version” of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, whose wider ratio spread, and new control electronics help to increase the powertrain’s overall efficiency. New torsion dampers reduce rotational forces and converter slip for improved shift comfort.
Computer controls enable the automatic transmission to adapt its shift strategy according to the route and driving situation. By working with the navigation system, the 8-speed Steptronic transmission sees the road ahead and combines this data with information from the Active Cruise Control system’s (optional on the X7 xDrive40i) radar sensor. This makes it possible for the transmission to shift proactively instead of reactively insuring not only that the shifts are more seamless but that the X7 is always in the correct gear for the upcoming road conditions. When approaching a vehicle ahead or approaching a downhill section for example, the 8-speed Steptronic transmission will shift down early to use engine braking to maintain speed or decelerate.
The Auto Start Stop function and the coasting function available in conjunction with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission in X7 also benefit from data supplied by the navigation system and by data supplied by the standard Active Guard driving assistance systems’ front camera. In this way, inefficient engine shutdown – for example when stopping briefly at junctions or roundabouts – can be prevented. Movement of vehicles ahead is recorded to determine the ideal moment for the Auto Start Stop function to stop and start the engine.
The coasting function is now available when either ECO Pro or COMFORT mode is selected using the Driving Experience Control switch between 9 and 99 mph. The efficiency-enhancing decoupling of the powertrain only takes place in driving situations where performance and comfort would not be compromised. If the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator, the powertrain stays connected so that engine braking can be used to support deceleration. For the same reason, powertrain disconnection is also prevented when approaching a junction or a vehicle ahead.
xDrive All-Wheel-Drive
The task of maximizing traction, agility and directional stability in the new BMW X7 comes from the latest generation of the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which is now able to split drive-torque between the front and rear wheels with greater precision and speed as the situation demands. For added efficiency, full power can be directed completely to the rear wheels in situations where all-wheel drive traction is not required.
The new xDrive system offers a rear-biased set-up for those occasions when the driver adopts a more sporting style of driving. The optional electronically controlled rear M Sport differential (available for the X7 xDrive50i in both the Dynamic Handling Package and in the Off-Road Package) helps support these times of more dynamic driving. By limiting equalization of the rotational speeds of the inside and outside wheels through corners, the M Sport differential can optimize the transfer of power to the road in all driving situations. As a result, the new BMW X7 can power out of bends with “exceptional momentum.” Managed by the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, the locking function for the rear differential also improves traction and power delivery when driving over loose ground or on road surfaces with differing levels of grip for the left-rear and right-rear wheels. It does so by preventing a wheel from spinning when it is struggling for traction. The locking effect is produced by means of an electric motor and allows as much as 1,106 lb-ft of drive torque to be redirected from the wheel with less grip to the wheel with more grip.
Chassis and Suspension
The new chassis has a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear suspension said to provide balance of exceptional traction on rough terrain and excellent dynamic response and ride comfort on pavement. The BMW X7 SAV comes standard with the Dynamic Damper Control system with two-axle air suspension. The electronically- controlled dampers sharpen the SAV’s handling while at the same time increasing ride comfort. The driver can select from two performance settings for a more comfort-oriented or sportier driving style.
Chassis options available make it possible to boost the off-road performance, sportiness or comfort of the new BMW X7 more intensely and effectively than ever before. The Dynamic Handling Package (marketing babble alert)), available for both the X7 xDrive40i and X7 xDrive50i, includes Active Comfort Drive with road preview, Integral Active Steering, M Sport Brakes and on the xDrive50i, the M Sport rear Differential. This package claims to provide exceptionally agility and dynamic driving qualities.
The Active Comfort Drive with road preview works with the two-axle air suspension and an active roll-stabilization system to improve agility and directional stability when turning into corners and optimize traction when accelerating out of them. The system uses camera sensors to preview the road ahead of the vehicle and proactively make suspension adjustments to not only tighten up suspension settings for upcoming turns but to also increase straight-line comfort by actively countering oscillations triggered by road surface imperfections.
Speed-dependent Integral Active Steering turns the rear wheels either the same direction as the front, to enhance stability in high-speed maneuvers such as lane changes, or in the opposite direction to the front wheels, to help low-speed maneuvering by decreasing the turning radius.
The standard two-axle air suspension system with automatic self-levelling not only provides a benefit to ride comfort but also allows electronic adjustment of vehicle ride height to meet various needs. The suspension’s air supply is controlled individually for each wheel using an electrically driven compressor with pressure reservoir, enabling it to balance out an unevenly loaded vehicle.
Since the air suspension works in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, the vehicle load registered by its sensors can be factored into braking calculations. When the SPORT driving mode is engaged, or the vehicle’s speed exceeds 85 mph, its ride height is automatically lowered by 0.8 inches. The driver can also adjust the body’s ground clearance – for off-road driving, for example – by pushing a button in the cockpit.
The vehicle can be raised in two stages up to a maximum of 1.6 inches above the standard setting. Another button in the luggage compartment activates a loading mode that lowers the vehicle by 1.6 inches. The next time the engine is started, the system will automatically revert to the last mode selected. The desired vehicle ride height can even be set with the engine switched off by using the optional BMW Display Key.
Showroom Crossover Crowding First BMW X7 SUV
The newest and by far largest model in the BMW X line-up uses revised powertrain options and chassis technology.
The new 2019 BMW X7 is now the fifth model to be produced in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The new X7 will be added to the vehicles – X3, X4, X5 and X6 – that are produced every day at BMW Group’s largest global production plant at 1400 vehicles a day. During 2017, the 10,000 employees of Plant Spartanburg produced 371,284 vehicles, 70% of which (272,346), were exported to 140 countries around the world. This by rough calculation makes BMW the largest exporter of vehicles from the U.S. by value.
To date, the BMW Group has invested $8 billion in Plant Spartanburg that is supported by 40 suppliers in the SC area and 300 suppliers across the U.S. The current manufacturing capacity is 450,000 vehicles and a further 1,000 new jobs are expected to be added by 2021. Since the plant opened on September 8, 1994, 3.9 million BMWs have been built at the South Carolina location.
The 2019 BMW X7 offers standard three row seating for 7 with optional second-row Captain’s Chairs offering a seating for 6. Standard two-axle air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels and advanced driver assistance systems help passenger comfort and all-weather and all-terrain capability – at least on paper.
The newest and largest model in the BMW X line-up uses revised powertrain options and chassis technology. It’s gigantic at 203.3 inches in length, 78.7 inches wide and 71.1 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 122.2 inches., A different use of forms at BMW is claimed, dominated by structured surfaces and precise lines. In keeping with the brand management cliché’ , X7 has the largest kidney grill ever designed for a BMW model.
Power and Performance
The new 2019 BMW X7 launches with a choice of two updated gasoline engines. At the top is X7 xDrive50i, with a revised 4.4-liter V8 engine. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine found under the hood of the X7 xDrive40i is also available. All engines route their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive helps ensure that power is transferred into progress – on or off road. The TwinPower Turbo technology in both gasoline engines features turbocharging, “High Precision” Injection, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and variable camshaft timing.
New V8 Engine
Fundamentally upgraded, the eight-cylinder engine in the BMW X7 xDrive50i has two turbochargers positioning in the “V” between the banks of cylinders on the 4.4-liter motor. Newly designed heat plates ensure effective thermal shielding for the crankcase and cylinder head. A new ignition system allows the engine to be restarted more smoothly and swiftly when the Auto Start Stop function is activated.
The new engine’s peak torque of 479 lb.-ft. is available over a broad rev range from 1,500 to 4,750 rpm, while its maximum output of 456 hp is on tap between 5,250 and 6,000 rpm. Yes, it’s high strung. This pulling power is available early and doesn’t tail off, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.
Inline-Six Cylinder
The X7 xDrive40i boasts the free-revving ability innate in all inline six-cylinder engines from BMW. The 3.0-liter uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection technology whose maximum pressure of 5,076 psi ensures the fuel is delivered in precise doses. The straight-six generates its maximum output of 335 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, while the peak torque 330 lb-ft is available from 1,500 – 5,200 rpm. The new BMW X7 xDrive40i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
Eight-speed Steptronic Transmission
Both engine variants of the new are linked to an “improved version” of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, whose wider ratio spread, and new control electronics help to increase the powertrain’s overall efficiency. New torsion dampers reduce rotational forces and converter slip for improved shift comfort.
Computer controls enable the automatic transmission to adapt its shift strategy according to the route and driving situation. By working with the navigation system, the 8-speed Steptronic transmission sees the road ahead and combines this data with information from the Active Cruise Control system’s (optional on the X7 xDrive40i) radar sensor. This makes it possible for the transmission to shift proactively instead of reactively insuring not only that the shifts are more seamless but that the X7 is always in the correct gear for the upcoming road conditions. When approaching a vehicle ahead or approaching a downhill section for example, the 8-speed Steptronic transmission will shift down early to use engine braking to maintain speed or decelerate.
The Auto Start Stop function and the coasting function available in conjunction with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission in X7 also benefit from data supplied by the navigation system and by data supplied by the standard Active Guard driving assistance systems’ front camera. In this way, inefficient engine shutdown – for example when stopping briefly at junctions or roundabouts – can be prevented. Movement of vehicles ahead is recorded to determine the ideal moment for the Auto Start Stop function to stop and start the engine.
The coasting function is now available when either ECO Pro or COMFORT mode is selected using the Driving Experience Control switch between 9 and 99 mph. The efficiency-enhancing decoupling of the powertrain only takes place in driving situations where performance and comfort would not be compromised. If the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator, the powertrain stays connected so that engine braking can be used to support deceleration. For the same reason, powertrain disconnection is also prevented when approaching a junction or a vehicle ahead.
xDrive All-Wheel-Drive
The task of maximizing traction, agility and directional stability in the new BMW X7 comes from the latest generation of the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which is now able to split drive-torque between the front and rear wheels with greater precision and speed as the situation demands. For added efficiency, full power can be directed completely to the rear wheels in situations where all-wheel drive traction is not required.
The new xDrive system offers a rear-biased set-up for those occasions when the driver adopts a more sporting style of driving. The optional electronically controlled rear M Sport differential (available for the X7 xDrive50i in both the Dynamic Handling Package and in the Off-Road Package) helps support these times of more dynamic driving. By limiting equalization of the rotational speeds of the inside and outside wheels through corners, the M Sport differential can optimize the transfer of power to the road in all driving situations. As a result, the new BMW X7 can power out of bends with “exceptional momentum.” Managed by the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, the locking function for the rear differential also improves traction and power delivery when driving over loose ground or on road surfaces with differing levels of grip for the left-rear and right-rear wheels. It does so by preventing a wheel from spinning when it is struggling for traction. The locking effect is produced by means of an electric motor and allows as much as 1,106 lb-ft of drive torque to be redirected from the wheel with less grip to the wheel with more grip.
Chassis and Suspension
The new chassis has a double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear suspension said to provide balance of exceptional traction on rough terrain and excellent dynamic response and ride comfort on pavement. The BMW X7 SAV comes standard with the Dynamic Damper Control system with two-axle air suspension. The electronically- controlled dampers sharpen the SAV’s handling while at the same time increasing ride comfort. The driver can select from two performance settings for a more comfort-oriented or sportier driving style.
Chassis options available make it possible to boost the off-road performance, sportiness or comfort of the new BMW X7 more intensely and effectively than ever before. The Dynamic Handling Package (marketing babble alert)), available for both the X7 xDrive40i and X7 xDrive50i, includes Active Comfort Drive with road preview, Integral Active Steering, M Sport Brakes and on the xDrive50i, the M Sport rear Differential. This package claims to provide exceptionally agility and dynamic driving qualities.
The Active Comfort Drive with road preview works with the two-axle air suspension and an active roll-stabilization system to improve agility and directional stability when turning into corners and optimize traction when accelerating out of them. The system uses camera sensors to preview the road ahead of the vehicle and proactively make suspension adjustments to not only tighten up suspension settings for upcoming turns but to also increase straight-line comfort by actively countering oscillations triggered by road surface imperfections.
Speed-dependent Integral Active Steering turns the rear wheels either the same direction as the front, to enhance stability in high-speed maneuvers such as lane changes, or in the opposite direction to the front wheels, to help low-speed maneuvering by decreasing the turning radius.
The standard two-axle air suspension system with automatic self-levelling not only provides a benefit to ride comfort but also allows electronic adjustment of vehicle ride height to meet various needs. The suspension’s air supply is controlled individually for each wheel using an electrically driven compressor with pressure reservoir, enabling it to balance out an unevenly loaded vehicle.
Since the air suspension works in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, the vehicle load registered by its sensors can be factored into braking calculations. When the SPORT driving mode is engaged, or the vehicle’s speed exceeds 85 mph, its ride height is automatically lowered by 0.8 inches. The driver can also adjust the body’s ground clearance – for off-road driving, for example – by pushing a button in the cockpit.
The vehicle can be raised in two stages up to a maximum of 1.6 inches above the standard setting. Another button in the luggage compartment activates a loading mode that lowers the vehicle by 1.6 inches. The next time the engine is started, the system will automatically revert to the last mode selected. The desired vehicle ride height can even be set with the engine switched off by using the optional BMW Display Key.