BMW lowers the cost entry to its largest SUV

BMW Australia is introducing a new six-cylinder petrol-powered version of its X7 SUV, set to launch locally in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The BMW X7 xDrive40i is priced from $167,900 before on-road costs and now acts as the entry-level variant in the local range.

Although the new X7 xDrive40i is $1000 more expensive than BMW Australia launch pricing for the equivalent six-cylinder diesel X7 xDrive40d at late last year, the company recently hiked its pricing.

The BMW X7 range is currently priced as follows:

X7 xDrive40i: $167,900 (NEW)X7 xDrive40d: $174,900X7 M60i: $205,900

All prices are before on-road costs

The BMW X7 xDrive40i is powered by the same 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine as the equivalent X5 and X6 with a 48V mild-hybrid system.

This powertrain produces 280kW of power and 520Nm of torque (540Nm with 48V mild-hybrid assistance).

The 48V mild-hybrid system in the X7 xDrive40i comprises a crankshaft-mounted starter generator that’s integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission housing.

The generator is used to turn the engine on and recuperates energy during coasting and braking. The accompanying 48V battery pack powers the generators, stores recuperated energy and also powers the on-board electronics.

BMW claims the X7 xDrive40i can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds. This is 0.1 seconds quicker than the X7 xDrive40d.

The company says claims the X7 xDrive40i has a WLTP fuel consumption of between 9.6 and 10.6 litres per 100km.

The BMW X7 xDrive40i mirrors the X7 xDrive40d in terms of specification. Highlights include the following:

22-inch alloy wheelsIconic Glow illuminated kidney grillePanoramic glass roofMetallic paintAutomatic split tailgate with hands-free function12.3-inch digital instrument cluster14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment systemHead-up display16-speaker Harman Kardon sound systemConnected Package ProfessionalBMW Drive RecorderFive-zone climate controlAlarm systemElectric sun-blindsAnthracite Alcantara headlinerBMW Individual leather merino upholsteryComfort seatsDriving Assistant ProfessionalTyre pressure monitoring

Like the X7 xDrive40d, the X7 xDrive40i is available in either the M Sport or Design Pure Excellence styling packages. Neither adds any additional cost.

The M Sport package adds the following:

M front and rear bumper designsM high-gloss black roof rails, window trims and lower body accentsM Sport brakes with blue-painted calipers22-inch M light alloy wheelsM Sport leather-wrapped steering wheelFine wood trimFineline Black interior finisher with high-gloss metal effectM-specific pedalsAccess to M-specific exterior paint colours

The Design Pure Excellence packaging adds:

Satin roof rails and window trimsPearl Chrome exterior trim highlightsSilver underbody guard22-inch grey light alloy wheelsSports leather-wrapped steering wheelFine wood trimFineline Stripe interior finisher with high-gloss brown

The BMW X7 xDrive40i is also available in a wide range of optional packages.

The $9800 Connoisseur Suite adds:

CraftedClarity applicationsSkylounge panoramic glass sunroofPrivacy glassGesture controlAmbient airVentilated front seatsMassage front seatsHeated outboard second-row seatsHeated third-row seatsHeated steering wheelHeated front armrestsTemperate cup holdersRemote engine start

The $3200 M Sport Pro pack adds:

High-gloss black BMW kidney grilleM exhaust systemM Sport brakes, high-gloss blakeM seat belts

There are also a range of singular options including the following:

Six-seat configuration: $3000 ($1500 w/ Connoisseur Suite)Front M Multifunction seats: $300020-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system: $8500

Prospective owners can also option a range of different alloy wheels, upholstery colours, and trim options.

The BMW X7 xDrive40i is available with the following exterior paint colours:

Alpine WhiteMineral WhiteBlack SapphireSparkling Copper GreyManhattanSkyscraper GreyM Carbon BlackM Brooklyn GreyBMW Individual Tanzanite BlueBMW Individual Dravit GreyBMW Individual AmetrineBMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey

Metallic paint is included as standard, though BMW Individual paint cost an additional $2400. BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey costs an extra $5000.

In addition to these exterior paint colours, the BMW X7 is currently available in 55 bespoke colours that are available through the BMW Individual special ordering programme.

MORE: Everything BMW X7