BMW Group Malaysia just launched the locally assembled X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence last week with an asking asking price of RM673,323. Believe it or not, the CKD version is actually about RM200,000 cheaper than the previous fully imported X7.
Interestingly, the new price tag actually makes the X7 about RM20,000 cheaper than a fully loaded Porsche Cayenne which now comes with the Enhanced Premium Package and a few options which can be had for a total of RM718,702.
In case you’re wondering what we mean by a “fully loaded” Cayenne, below is the list of the standard and optional features which can be had for the aforementioned price:
Therefore, if you have a budget of slightly above RM700,000, you actually have two solid options here, so let us dive into what these premium German SUVs have to offer.
Dimensions
The X7 is essentially a seven-seater SUV which sits right on top of BMW’s SUV range. Measuring 5,151 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, 1,805 mm in height with a wheelbase length of 3,105 mm, the X7 is a behemoth that actually makes the 7-Series look small.
The 2021 Porsche Cayenne on the other hand, is a five-seater SUV that measures 4,919 mm in length, 1,983 mm in width, 1,696 mm in height, with a 2,895 mm-long wheelbase.
Obviously, the X7 is the bigger model here due to the two additional seats. So, if a seven-seater is what you need, look no further than the X7, but if you are alright with five seats and want something slightly smaller and easier to manoeuvre than the X7, the Cayenne may tickle you in the right places.
Powertrain
Powering the X7 is a turbocharged straight-six petrol engine making 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via a an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The powertrain package enables the X7 to accelerate from naught to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds while hitting a top speed of 245 km/h.
Further complementing the powertrain are features like air suspension, the Executive Drive Pro package with active anti-roll stabilisation, Dynamic Damper Control, Integral Active Steering, and BMW’s rear-wheel steering system.
As for the Porsche Cayenne, power comes courtesy of a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine making 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque which is actually identical with the X7’s outputs. Mated with an 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic gearbox, the Cayenne which is equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds.
Fitted with mixed tyres and rear-axle steering for the first time, the Cayenne’s on-road capabilities are further improved by active all-wheel drive as standard, Porsche 4D Chassis Control, three-chamber air suspension and the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) electronic roll stabilisation system. For the first time, the Cayenne is also available with electric rear-axle steering.
Features
On the exterior, the BMW X7 features a generous dose of chrome, 21-inch wheels, BMW Laser lights, LED fog lamps, anti-dazzle side mirrors, as well as hands-free tailgate opening function.
As for the interior, the X7 is all about the “Taukay” life, with leather upholstery everywhere, screens for the second row occupants, soft-closing doors, powered window blinds, BMW Connected Package Professional, a 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional digital speedometer, and Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assist and an around-view monitor.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0 combines the fully digital, user-configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster with an equally large central Control Display with touchscreen functionality.
The X7 is also fitted with the voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW Gesture Control. Other highlights include the Welcome Light Carpet feature, five-zone air conditioning, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 16 loudspeakers and electric roller blinds for side windows.
While there is 325 litres of luggage space with all the seats up, it can be maximised up to 2,120 litres with the backrests folded down. Last but not least, driver assistance gizmos include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Integral Active Steering, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Parking Assistance Plus, and Reverse Assistant.
Meanwhile, the Porsche Cayenne is not as “bling” as the Beemer. In fact, things quite the opposite with the Porsche’s exterior, with key features being the 21-inch RS Spyder wheels, body-coloured wheel arch extensions, and LED lights with Porsche Dynamic Lighting System (PDLS).
What about the Cayenne?
Inside, there is a Bose premium audio system, Porsche emblems on the seat headrests, electric roll-up sun blinds, four-zone air conditioning, ambient lighting, 14-way powered front seats, an ioniser, soft-close doors, as well as a two-tone leather interior.
Those who want more sportiness can opt for the black tailpipes, LED Matrix lights with PDLS, matte black Porsche emblems, black wheel arch extensions, as well as black roof rails. With all of these features installed, the on the road price of the fully loaded Porsche Cayenne stands at RM718,702.
Warranty and Road Tax
The BMW X7 xDrive40i comes with a five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty and a free scheduled service programme, along with other services like roadside assistance and accident hotline, the BMW Group Loyalty+ mobile app with privileges card, and BMW Service Online.
The Porsche Cayenne on the other hand, comes with a four-year warranty program and free maintenance package, which includes complimentary service, labour and parts.
If we are to compare both the SUVs’ warranty programs, BMW actually covers you for a longer duration versus the Porsche, but Porsche’s free maintenance package for four years is a major plus point which somewhat makes it up for the one year difference between both models.
Since both models are powered by 3.0-litre turbocharged engines, the road tax price should be the same due to the similarity in the displacement level.
While both are undeniably quick and well equipped, the X7 will clearly appeal more to those who are all about luxury and want more attention. Just look at that grille.
The Porsche however looks stealthier, drives quicker, and is more performance oriented. That being said, if money was no issue, which one would you go for?
Is it top-notch luxury, or is it downright sportiness?
