New BMW 7 Series and X7 lands in Malaysia

BMW Malaysia is on a roll with its 2019 new model onslaught. Earlier today, the firm introduced both its refreshed sixth-gen (G12) 7 Series flagship saloon and its all-new X7 SUV twin.

Here’s what you ought to know about both models that bear the same lucky digit in their nameplate.

2019 BMW 740Le xDrive
The sixth-gen 7er (G12) has been refreshed for 2019, sporting a host of new bits including a distinct new front and rear fascia, with the massive new kidney grilles being a signature of the former. For those curious, they are now 40% larger than before, making them perhaps the largest set ever fitted on any production BMW.

As before, the Malaysian market gets this luxury saloon in its electrified 740Le xDrive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form. At the heart of things is a signature BMW 3.0-litre straight-six turbo mill, which is paired with an uprated electric motor system. The latter benefits with a larger 12kWh lithium-ion battery unit and increased motor output.

Combined, there’s now 388hp and 500Nm of twist to drive all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic box and xDrive all-wheel-drive. Sprints from nought to 100kph are achieved in just 5.1 secs whilst the restricted 250kph V-Max remains.

This being a PHEV, this luxury saloon will sip as low as 2.8 litres/100km. With a full charge, the 740Le xDrive can chart up to 54km of travel on electric power alone, its top speed here capped at 140kph.

As before, the battery can be recharged quickly using a household three-phase power supply if you’re not in a rush. Opt for the BMW i Wallbox/Wallbox Plus and a full charge comes in just a little over 4 hours.

Key updated on board include the adoption of BMW’s new Live Cockpit Professional system as seen in the new X5 and 3 Series that brims the dash with both a 10.25-inch digital instrument display panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment.

Present here too are the BMW Connected Package Professional, BMW Navigation system Professional and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with voice command and gesture control features, all managed by a new BMW Operating System 7.0.

Again, much of bells and whistles seen in the pre-facelift model are present, namely things like the panoramic glass sunroof, four-zone climate control, massage seats, and 16-speaker premium hifi. Topping things off are 7 airbags, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active steering and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.

Locally assembled (CKD), the new BMW 740Le xDrive goes on sale at RM594,800 sans insurance. Included in the price is a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled services plus a two-year tyre warranty.

2019 BMW X7 xDrive40i
Moving up, BMW Malaysia also previewed its first ever X7 flagship SUV offering, which arrives locally in X7 xDrive40i form. Built upon a modified X5 platform, the X7 stands as the largest SUV offering to bear the BMW badge, boasting three-rows of seats as a result too.

Power comes from another signature BMW 3.0-litre straight-six turbo mill that delivers 340hp and 450Nm in play to all four wheels via xDrive AWD and an 8-speed auto box. 0-100kph takes just 6.1 secs whilst on its way to a 245kph V-Max – respectable figures given the X7’s sheer size and over 2.3-tonne bulk.

The X7 also rides on a two-axle air suspension system that offers five ride height settings across an 80mm range. There’s also the presence of BMW’s Dynamic Damper Control suite that promises enhanced ride comforts as well thanks to its ability of processing data from both a series of cameras and the on-board navigation.

On board, the X7 boasts much of the bells and whistles as seen in the 740Le xDrive, albeit with BMW’s new cabin design approach. Notable features present include BMW Connected Package Professional, BMW Navigation system Professional and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with voice command and gesture control.

By default, the X7 will come with three-row seating for seven, but there is an option to specify a more luxurious layout for six as well. Added comfort for all comes from the presence of a five-zone climate control unit, as well as electric blinds for the rear side windows.

Other notable luxuries present include a 16-speaker Harman Kardon hifi system, soft-close doors, ventilated front seats, panoramic glass sunroof, as well as two 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment units for the back seats. In short, this is one fully-loaded SUV that snatches the title of ‘The Boss’ away from its lesser sibling the X5.

However, unlike the 7er launched alongside it, the X7 xDrive40i’s status as a fully imported (CBU) offering sees it command a higher price tag of RM888,800. BMW Malaysia says pre-bookings for the X7 are now open locally, and it will be available on our shores from September this year.

Of course, included in said price is a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled services plus a two-year tyre warranty as well.