CKD 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i launched in Malaysia, now with ACC, RM 708k

BMW Malaysia has unveiled the locally-assembled (CKD) version of its 7-seater luxury SUV, the BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence. The sports activity vehicle (SAV in BMW-speak) will now be assembled in Kulim, Kedah as opposed to being built in Spartanburg, USA. BMW Malaysia has given us an estimated price of RM 708,000, on the road without insurance. 

Anything new?

No major changes actually, which is a good thing here. The X7 is still powered by the B58 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine (340 PS, 450 Nm), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Air suspension is retained, and continues to work in conjunction with Executive Drive Pro and Dynamic Stability Control systems to improve both comfort and handling. 

On the outside, the Pure Excellence trim means that you still get 21-inch Y-spoke wheels all round, together with aluminium side steps and roof rails. The tailgate is still one that is fully-electric, with Comfort Access function (hands-free opening).

You'd expect the most glaring omission in a CKD model to be the Sky Lounge panoramic roof. Surprise surprise, it's still here, in all its glass-finished glory. Having said that, I continually question the rationale of having a sun/panoramic roof in climates such as ours.

Tech wise, the X7 still employs BMW's signature Laserlight, with high-beam assistance and LED foglights as standard. The X7 also features BMW Personal CoPilot technology, which includes Parking Assistant Plus, along with the Reversing Assistant (which is pretty nifty).

BMW's Driving Assistance ADAS suite also remains. It encompasses Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and front collision warning with brake intervention. Additionally, Active Cruise Control with stop & go function is now standard. 

On to the interior, it's par for the course for a car of this stature. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, BMW Head-Up Display, Intelligent Personal Assistant and Gesture Control, all here. Top it off with Harman Kardon sound system (16-speakers), five-zone climate control, soft-close doors and electric rear door blinds, and you have a 7-Series on stilts. 

Dimension-wise, the X7 remains an imposing car, even when compared to the 7-Series. Just have a look at the table below.

The BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence comes with five exterior finishes with selected interior colour combinations. The exterior colours of Black Sapphire and Sophisto Grey come in Cognac Vernasca leather upholstery with black interior perforations, while Phytonic Blue and Manhattan Metallic finishes come with an all-black perforated Vernasca leather interior. Lastly, Coffee Vernasca leather with black perforations comes exclusively with the Mineral White finish.

So what do yo think? Would you plump for this, or a Mercedes GLS? Let us know in the comments.