Bucket Seat: BMW X7 30d xDrive

When BMW said it was making a 7 seater luxury SUV, many thought the idea of having one wouldn't fit well with the brand as it was and always has been a sports based one but over the years there has been a massive trend shift with many preferring the SUV over the sedan. Apart from practicality and space, there is just a certain appeal that SUV's have of which normal cars cannot offer so in saying this, BMW forecasted well with the X7 as there is a massive void in the market for this type of car. Currently in the luxury 7 seater segment, there is only one other rival and that is the Mercedes-Benz GLS, but with that current model being aged this puts the X7 in prime position to be the markets best offering. I got the opportunity to spend a week in the 30d xDrive Individual derivative of the X7 and while my expectations of the vehicle were high, it still managed to blow me away. 

DESIGN

Molding a car of this size and nature to look appealing isn't an easy feat, I know as I dabbled a bit in car design back in the day. There's always going to be be angles and areas that look awkward or off but I can't really say that's the case with the X7, yes the primary shape of the vehicle is very boxy but BMW worked well in making that a key design aspect of the X7, accentuating the bold character of the car by increasing dimensions of design elements to make everything fit and work. The grille for example, when first images broke, it was a major controversial talking point about it's size. It's the biggest kidney grille on any BMW ever made and seeing that the X7 is the biggest production model from the company, it would only make sense that the grille would be big to suit? The grille is active like all new models, so it opens and closes when there's a need to allow natural air into the radiator. With the Individual package, there were a lot of elements which had silver and chrome finishes, adding to the luxury allure of the car. The multi-spoke 22" rims gave the X7 presence. The lights are very similar to that of the 7 Series sedan but adjusted to suit the cars size, fused into that massive grille and add's dimension with the LED halo's and laser inserts in the middle. The back end lines up perfectly and I like the use of the solid chrome bar which is also present on the 7 Series Sedan, a sort of aspect to make it known that they are both in the same league. 

PERFORMANCE

Being the smallest engine in the line up, BMW's 3 liter TwinPower Turbo Diesel engine shouldn't be looked down upon as it was more than adequate to propel this monstrous beast along its way. Technical data, the motor produces 195kW with a Max Torque level of 620Nm, the claimed fuel consumption is 7L per 100km but I managed to get 8.3L per 100km during my time with it, which is still rather impressive for a car of this size. The weight being well over 2 tonnes doesn't pose an issue to the motor as it is more than adequate to handle the burden, and if the need did arise to need extra oomph, just flick into sport and make that 620Nm of torque do it's job. On a long distance trip, it proved to be quite delightful, as the car builds up speed over a long period the revs drop ever so slightly, giving you great performance and great economy. While the X7 does have some off road capabilities, I only had a chance to do some light gravel road driving with it and it gobbled that up as if it was nothing. 

COMFORT

While the X7 can be fitted in a 7 seater configuration I feel many are going to opt for the one I had, which is a 6 seater configuration where the second row compromises of 2 single seats with arm rests, thus giving the passenger a proper limousine feel to the car. The Individual package spec'd had quite a few options that elevated the luxury comfort levels in the car. The front driver and passenger seats both come with dual climate control, as well as heated and cooling seats, the cup holders can also be heated or cooled, depending what drink you have in them. The second row has the dual climate control aircon as well, they also have controls to operate the blinds, roof curtain and sun roof. The 3rd row of seats also have their own climate control for the temperature right at the back of the car and they too have their own glass roof but just a curtain which controls the sunlight. The ride is exceptional, whether it be on tar road or gravel, the suspension copes well on any surface it finds it self on.

TECHNOLOGY

BMW is always one for gadgets and like the new 3 Series we had on test previously, the X7 comes with all of that and more. Heads up display is bigger than normal on the X7 but pretty much the same info, the display screen is also the largest that can be found in any of the BMW models. It is touch screen and has gesture controls for the driver. The X7 also comes with semi-autonomous cruise control as well as reverse park assist, this feature being very handy as it isn't always easy judging spaces with a big car like this. The entertainment package in this car came with dual screens for the second row passengers who have their own entertainment console which has a DVD player for their personal watching preference, or they could hook their mobile device up and stream onto the screen. They could do this individually or share it amongst all the screens in the car. Bare in mind the drivers screen will switch off when in motion as to not distract the driver. The 3rd row seats are electronically controlled either from the back or the boot where by just pressing a button has them folding up or down. Pick of the tech for me has to be the laser lights, as with every new model that rolls out from BMW, the lights just keep getting better and better. The adaptive technology that it's fitted with continues to impress me. 

VERDICT

There's no beating around the bush with the X7, it's an expensive car built for people with expensive taste who need something bigger than the norm. It's a 7 Series on steroids but at the same time offers the practicality that only an SUV can give. With many wanted to see the car while I had it, it was clear that they were all equally impressed at what they saw. Pricing may be a daunting factor but in-terms of value for money, there's no denying this ticks all the boxes from what you would need to have a luxury SUV. It's presence on the road is formidable, cars move out of the way when they see you coming. Strap on a blue light to it and I could have gotten away with a lot of things. Despite it's size, the tech and driver assistants make it a breeze to park and navigate on the narrowest of roads. It really is something special that they've created here and to the right market will prove to be quite a hit. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L Diesel Twin Power Turbo
Gear Box	8 Speed Automatic Steptronic
Torque	620Nm
Power	195kW
Consumption	7L/100km
Price	R 1,554,500

Bucket Seat: BMW X7 - First Impressions

This week see's BMW South Africa launch the first ever X7 in the country, they call it the 'definition of automotive luxury' and with good reason too. For long a luxury vehicle was defined to a long wheel based sedan, limousines if you'd like but with the shift in trend to raised cars , this opened the door to a much bigger prospect in the SUV and crossover market. BMW say their X7 blends lavish presence, exclusivity and spaciousness with the versatile and agile driving properties customers would expect from a Sports Activity Vehicle. Having had the opportunity to see the X7 in the metal prior to this launch, I can confidentially say BMW hit the nail on the head with this one. It's the biggest car in their impressive line up and BMW want you to know this, with the biggest kidney grilles fitted to date, the massive body encapsulating the luxurious interior for the passengers. Many say it's like a 7 Series on stilts but while I can see that comparison being made, it's a totally different car. 

With the SUV you get much more room all round, most importantly increase head room, a higher seating position to that of the 7 Series, which allows for more room to stretch your feet out. The middle row is where you'd want to be sitting if you're being chauffeured around in the X7. Apart from the easy access, the seats are almost sofa like with padded headrests. You have personal touch screens which display BMW's on-board infotainment system. There is also a DVD player located in the central panel just above the dual zone climate control for the passengers. So you can adjust the temp to suit, put on your favourite movie, recline the seat and relax as you get to your destination. But if you, like me don't like to be driven around and prefer being behind the wheel, not to worry, the X7 is equally great for you too. 

The cabin is laden with the finest materials and up front the the drivers cockpit has everything orientated around it. With BMW's interior design being very similar across all the models, the X7 just does the same but at a bigger scale. With the large touch screen infotainment screen with the latest BMW iDrive loaded, along with gesture control. The X7 gets BMW's new digital cluster, as in the X5, Z4, 8 and 3 Series, which displays a variety of information for the driver. Most of the the cabin is electronic, this goes for the adjustable items as well like seats, steering consol etc. The cabin also features a huge panoramic sunroof which can be split for the front and rear passengers. The third row of seats are also electronically controlled to fold up or unfold. 

The X7 is being launched in two engine variants, both of which are diesel. The 30d and the M50d with the M50i expected to hit our shores in October this year. Both launch engines are brilliant in their own right, having enough torque to power this behemoth around. The M50d would be the prized one with a quad turbo powered engine, it would make the X7 super fast and with both models hace a perfect 50/50 weight distribution along with air suspension, it would make the X7 extremely agile on the roads. Price wise, the xDrive 30d starts off at R1,562,849 and the M50d starts off at R1,862,308. 

Bucket Seat: BMW Supertech Pinetown

The Supertech Group in KZN have grown in leaps and bounds over the years, and just recently expanded their network into the Eastern Cape by acquiring one of the BMW dealerships in the province and added it to theirs. A few weeks ago I was invited to the official opening of their brand new, state of the art dealership in Pinetown. After taking over from the previous owner, the brand was located at the bottom end of Old Main Road, the Supertech Group felt that the location wasn't in the ideal location to service the areas they were targeting. Hence a few years ago, they undertook the task to relocate the Pinetown Dealership to Kirk Rd at the bottom end of Field's Hill, with a ground breaking ceremony that included VIP guests with the likes of BMW South Africa's CEO Tim Abbott and other distinguished guests. A few years later and what once was a caravan sales park, is now home to one of the countries state of the art dealerships. 

The VIP opening saw about 350 guests in attendance, of which included valued clients, members of the media as well as municipal officials with Fawzia Peer giving the cities best wishes to the group and thanking them for the continued investment in Durban as well as creating jobs for many locals. CEO of BMW SA Tim Abbott was on hand to help Chairman of the Supertech Group, Shabir Tayob officially open the dealership as well as give a few words about the remarkable work Supertech have been doing over the years in KZN. The iconic dealership in Pinetown is Greenstar rated, so not its friendly on the environment as well. With the incorporation of the Motorrad Motorcyle element, the Pinetown dealership boasts an entire floor dedicated to the BMW Bike side of things, which include the bikes, gear and accessories. 

On display that evening were some models which are yet to be officially launched locally so the guests were extremely lucky to see these cars in the metal as well as get inside to up close and personal with them. These models included, the BMW 7 Series LCI, BMW X7 and the BMW 8 Series convertible. The 7 Series LCI and the 8 Series Convertible is currently being launched in Europe and will officially hit our shores later this year, and the mammoth X7 in the third quarter. This was the ideal opportunity for me to get a closer look at these upcoming models from BMW, all of which are in the premium luxury segment of the brand. First up was the M850i Convertible, it's just as striking as it's hard top brother, if not even more attractive without the roof. It's a GT cruiser, powered with a V8 Twin-Turbo, this car looks menacing even while standing still. As much as the brute power thats under the hood on this one, its something I see as a Sunday cruiser, with the roof down, following the beach roads, listening to your favourite music. 

Which trying not to get too distracted by the 8 Series Convertible, it was hard not to see the 7 Series LCI lurking in the back ground. This car is everything a true super saloon needs to be and the facelift adds so much more character to the model. The car that was on display was the 750Li which is the long wheel base version of the 7 Series. So already it's size has so much presence, the re sculptured front with the headlamps similar to that of the X7 as well as the massive kidney grilles give the 7 Series LCI and unmistakable look of class and luxury. The sharp lines flow well from front to the back and the massive rims just add more character to the car. In the interior, it's evident that you're sitting in luxury, from the choice of materials used, to the finesse of the stitching on the seats. The amount of padding all over in the 7 Series is indicative to the luxury component of the car and if that isn't enough, with the long wheel base you have the option of having the limousine style rear seat behind the front passenger. Which folds down the front passenger seat, and deploys a foot rest, reclines the rear passenger seat giving the passenger a chance to stretch out and relax, perhaps have a nap too. 

Moving on to the X7, the biggest BMW ever built, with the biggest kidney grille on a BMW, it surely doesn't need an introduction because it's hard to miss it. It's the first seven seater offering from the German brand, offering a luxury experience like no other. Following design cues from the 7 Series LCI, the X7 is BMW's answer to the luxury SUV market, offering a car limousine experience for the roads less traveled on. Yes the X7 is an off road capable vehicle and not one for just prowling the streets. The finishes on the X7 interior exude class and refinement shown in the 7 Series, the cabin has loads of space even with the 3rd row of seats up. There are already a few confirmed orders of this behemoth for South Africa and I cannot wait to see them on the roads. 

Coming back to the dealership, The showroom floor has almost the entire range of models from 1 to 8 on display as well as some of the X models, the Motorrad showroom has most of the latest models as well as a much sort after BMW HP4 track bike priced at a whopping R1.4 million! It definitely was the star attraction from the bikes on display. Supertech Pinetown also boasts a full service coffee shop with a chef, so even if you want to pop by for a bite while admiring some of the best from BMW's stable, you're more than welcomed too. We at the Bucket would like to wish Shabir and his team at the Supertech all the best for this new dealership and may you continue to prosper in the years to come.