BMW X7 2024: straight-six petrol xDrive40i coming to Australia

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BMW’s X7 range is soon to be bolstered by a new entry-level xDrive40i, priced from $167,900 before on road costs.

The 3.0-litre straight-six turbo petrol-equipped variant joins the $174,900 xDrive40d diesel and performance M60i ($205,900) versions of the giant X7 SUV. 

This new model’s price is still no match for the now bargain-looking sum BMW asked when the three-row X7 launched here in 2019. Entry-level then was the xDrive30d for a mere $119,900 before on-roads.

In 2023, the incoming X7 xDrive40i’s equipment matches that of the $7000-dearer diesel variant, which launched late last year alongside the M-badged turbo-petrol V8.

The entry-level petrol still develops a healthy 280kW and 540Nm, and features 48-volt mild hybrid technology for performance and efficiency improvements. It’s the same engine found in BMW’s new X5 and X6 range.

BMW Australia says the new X7 can be ordered now, with customer deliveries commencing towards the end of this year.

How quick is the BMW X7 xDrive40i?

The new six-cylinder engine partners an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with steering wheel shift paddles.

Despite being the entry-level, the all-wheel-drive X7 xDrive40i’s performance figures aren’t to be sniffed at. 

For something weighing almost 2.5-tonnes before anyone climbs aboard, the 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds is impressive indeed.

It makes the 40i a smidge quicker accelerating than the 259kW/720Nm X7 40d, but the petrol’s 9.6-10.6L/100km economy (WLTP and depending on options) is no match for the diesel’s 8.0L/100km return.

What are the BMW X7 xDrive40i’s specifications?

As you’d expect for the $167,900 fee, specification is deep.

Cherry-picking some highlights, on the outside you get the M Sport package, 22-inch light alloy wheels, metallic paint and BMW’s “Iconic Glow” illuminated kidney grille – which is one hell of a giant party piece on the front end.

Inside is BMW Individual leather Merino upholstery, Comfort seats, M Individual headliner in anthracite Alcantara, five-zone automatic air conditioning (including for the third row of seats), automatic split tailgate with contactless opening, electric sunblinds and a panorama glass roof.

On the tech front there’s BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional featuring a 14.9-inch curved display running BMW’s latest Operating System 8.5, BMW Drive Recorder, Connected Package Professional, Driving Assistant Professional, harman/kardon 16-speaker surround sound audio, BMW head-up display and Parking Assistant Professional.

You can drop the M Sport pack in favour of the more elegant Design Pure Excellence package for no extra charge. 

The M Sport has the likes of M Sport brakes with blue callipers, Shadow Line high-gloss body trim, interior wood trim with ‘Fineline Black’ metal effect and M specific pedal assembly.

Go the Design Pure Excellence route and you enjoy the likes of satinated roof rails and window décor, Pearl Chrome exterior highlights and ‘Fineline Strip’ brown trim inside with the fine wood trim.

Any optional extras? Of course there are

For an extra $9800 you can option the Connoisseur Suite. 

For the cabin, this brings Crafted Clarity applications (crystal gear shifter for example), a Skylounge panorama glass roof, gesture control, active seat ventilation and massage for the front seats, heated seats for the outboard chairs in rows two and three, remote engine start, temperate cup holders and heating for the steering wheel and front row armrests.

A $3200 M Sport Pro pack adds a Shadow Line kidney grille, M exhaust, high-gloss black M Sport brakes and M seat belts.

A trailer tow hitch for $2500 increases maximum towing capacity to 3500kg (280kg tow ball limit), while a six-seat configuration – 2+2+2 – with second seating row featuring captain’s chairs is a $1500 option.

It doesn’t stop there. 

A Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system is $8500; BMW Individual metallic colours are another $2400 ($5000 for Frozen Pure Grey), while you can choose a 23-inch wheel in Jet Black for another $3500.

BMW Individual Full Leather Merino can be optioned for between $5000-$5500, while interior trims are $800 for Individual Ash or Piano Black, or $1700 for M carbon fibre.

Take care on those options or the bill will quickly get close to $200k.

BMW X7 2024: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road charges

• BMW X7 xDrive40i – $167,900
• BMW X7 xDrive40d – $174,900
• BMW X7 M60i – $205,900