BMW X7: Same price, other options

While expanding its portfolio of locally assembled vehicles in Malaysia, BMW launched the CKD version of its largest X model, the X7, in May this year. The CKD model is available in a single xDrive40i Pure Excellence variant, which is a bit different from the fully imported model in terms of specs, but if we see the price, the difference is significant. The locally-assembled BMW X7 is priced at RM 648,934 (inclusive of the ongoing sales and service tax exemption) that is RM 239,866 cheaper than the CBU model introduced in 2019.

In today’s story, we will spotlight the options available in the local market at this price point or near to it, but before that let’s first know this luxury seven-seater SUV a little better.

The BMW X7 is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cyl mill generating a maximum power output of 340 PS along with a peak torque of 450 Nm. It is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that sends power to all four wheels. With this setup, the SUV runs from zero to 100 kmph in 6.1 seconds and attains a top speed of 245 kmph. The CKD version gets an Integral Active Steering system for better low-speed agility or high-speed comfort and stability.

On the outside, the SUV features a massive kidney front grille, BMW Laserlight headlights with high-beam assistance, LED foglights, Welcome Light Carpet, aluminium side steps and roof rails, powered tailgate, and 21-inch Y-spoke two-tone alloy wheels. 

The significant features inside the luxurious BMW X7 include “Crafted Clarity” handmade diamond-cut trimmings, two 12.3-inch touchscreens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, head-up display, voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Gesture Control, five-zone air conditioning, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, electric roller blinds for side windows, sports leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable front seats, Rear Entertainment Professional system, and a large Panoramic sunroof. As for safety, it gets Reversing Assistant and Driving Assistant safety pack.

Now, let’s discuss the other cars one can buy at the same price.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloon 

Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the classiest cars of all time. Its new iteration is expected to make a debut in Malaysia this year. But for now, it comes in single trim i,e. S 560e, priced at RM 646,625. It is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine mated to an electric motor and a 13.5 kW battery pack. The system combinedly produces a maximum power output of 476 PS and a peak torque of 700 Nm. It is paired with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox. Performance-wise, the sedan can hit the century sprint in 5 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph. 

Its standard equipment list includes multibeam LED units with Ultra Range high beam, Air Balance Package, an exclusive Night Package, 19-inch multi-spoke alloys, a 12.3-inch full LCD digital instrument, COMAND online and keyless go starting system, 13-speaker Burmester surround system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, pre-entry climate control, Nappa leather upholstery, Energising comfort control and a massage function for the rear seats, panoramic sunroof, active steering assist, active braking assist, a 360-degree surround-view camera and much more. An AMG Line package is also on offer.

Audi A7 Sportback

Another option on this list is the Audi A7 Sportback that also comes only in a single trim in Malaysia that is 3.0 TFSI Quattro, priced at RM 618,755. As the name suggests, the model is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 mill which delivers 340 hp of maximum power output and 500 Nm of peak torque. The engine is coupled with a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission. Performance numbers include a century sprint of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 kmph.

The Audi A7 standard equipment list includes HD Matrix LED headlights, 20-inch Audi Sport twin-spoke alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument panel, heads-up display, two touchscreen displays (10.1-inch and 8.6-inch) for infotainment and air conditioning functions, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Valcona leather upholstery, soft-close doors, cruise control, four-zone climate control, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, dynamic all-wheel steering and several advanced driver assistance systems.

Maserati Ghibli

Maserati Ghibli is the most affordable Maseratis available in Malaysia. It is offered in two variants - base-spec Ghibli and Ghibli S, priced at RM 538,800 and RM 628,800, respectively. The top-spec is slightly cheaper than the BMW X7, so let’s see what it offers.

The unmistakably stunning Maserati Ghibli comes with full-LED Adaptive Matrix Headlights with anti-glare high-beam assist, 20-inch alloy wheels, an 8.4-inch Maserati Touch Control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Plotrona Frau leather interior finish, 7-inch, TFT display, 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a comprehensive range of advanced driving assistance systems.

It is also equipped with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo direct-injection V6 engine that delivers 410 hp of power and 550 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. This setup propels the vehicle from zero to 100 kmph in 5 seconds with a top speed of 285 kmph.

There you go. These were a few options that rival the BMW X7 in terms of price. We must say all are equally impressive with their stand-out designs and features. What do you think? Which out of these you would like to buy? Let us know in the comments. 

Also read: BMW X3: Variants explained