der Bayerische September/October 2020 - 30

(Above Left) The driver's cockpit makes you want to jump in and drive. (Above Right) The inviting second row seating (yes that's a folding tray table).
interior-feel" from Rolls Royce
exudes in every design element and
feature. Everything looks elegant,
upscale, and feels solid and durable.
The second-row captain's chairs add
to that "upscale" feel as the rear
passengers are treated to their set of
individual controls. Think of firstclass seating on Emirates Airlines,
and you'll understand the general
feel.
For those who are seeking
maximum cargo room, you'll need
to stick with the second-row
dual-folding bench seating.
Unfortunately, the second row
captain's chairs do not fold flat.
The X7 interior feels big
because it is big. Two typical sixfoot Americans will sit comfortably
in the roomy, comfortable, and
supportive third-row seat.
As one would expect from a

flagship
vehicle,
technology
abounds. Power-operated features
are found throughout the vehicle.
These features operate so silently that
even my submarine friends would be
impressed. The sunroofs operated
smoothly and quietly. The
soundproof glass was so effective
that when we rolled the windows
down, we were shocked at the
loudness of the San Francisco
streets.
To effectively use this
technology, one needs to be
educated. Had I spent some time
with a BMW Genius, I no doubt
would have used these technology
features effectively and efficiently.
My methodology of employing "trial
and error", then reading the owner's
manual, did create some frustration,
followed by comic relief (items are
quickly found in the index).

My only complaint is the time
needed to fold the third-row seats.
It's clear the BMW engineers and
designers should have spent a bit
more time in the parking lots of
Costco to observe the conditions in
which we need the third-row seats
folded. No doubt, the operating time
would be significantly reduced.
The BMW engineers and
designers successfully integrated a
large amount of "Rolls-Royce-ness"
into the X7. However, I buy BMWs to
drive. In that respect, the BMW
faithful should be delighted that the
X7 drives like a BMW should.
My evaluation vehicle was
equipped with the twin turbo 4.4-liter
V-8 (456 horsepower), Dynamic
Handling package, and M Sport
package. Power delivery was
smooth, responsive, and predictable.
The xDrive, M-tuned steering, and

M-tuned brakes added to my
confidence in the unseasonably wet
Silicon Valley and San Francisco
weather, which resulted in some
slippery streets and roadways.
It was in these hazardous
driving conditions that the X7s
autobahn driving dynamics shined.
Even throughout the heaviest rain, the
front and rear wipers operated in a
fashion that provided outstanding
outward vision. The suspension and
xDrive combined to provide
maximum traction on the very poorly
maintained San Francisco streets
and always-under-construction 101
freeway. Since I had outstanding
visibility, I took advantage of the
outstanding
handling
and
acceleration to maneuver away from
hazardous drivers. Even on the very
wet roads, the responsive and
predictable M-tuned brakes always

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der Bayerische September/October 2020

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