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The big one for BMW is properly huge! It's not just big in size, it's big on space, features, comfort, and has a big heart too. Here's what the new X7 is like in diesel guise

- Jim Gorde

THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I SAMPLED THE NEW "40d" spec 48-volt mild-hybrid diesel engine from BMW and I had been looking forward to it ever since it first arrived. Honestly, I think it's probably the best diesel straight-six in the world-the contenders include the Mercedes 450 d, the Land Rover D350, with the 40d's older sibling, the 400-hp quad-turbo M50d, now consigned to history. Having opened with that, let's get to the actual car and what we see rather than discuss what's underneath.

The X7 measures 5.2 metres long and exactly two metres wide and runs a long 3.1-metre wheelbase, which translates into generous interior room and the means of having a folding third row of individual seats as well. The front-end styling has been a talking point for both 7s-and, at first glance, it's easy to see why. The large kidney grille over what is an expanse of frontal area is joined by a radical upper-lower section for the all-LED daytime lights and headlamps respectively. If you ask me, though, I think it looks smart. May take a little getting used to at first but, eventually, it all comes down to how it feels.

Inside, the cabin is a plush spread and, I must say, as with the i7 and 7 Series, there is more than a hint of Rolls-Royce in here.

The architecture of luxury certainly seems to have had a rub-off effect and the interior of the new BMW X7 is, in one word, exceptional. The choice of wood and metal trim looks old-school premium, while the "<>" accents from the X range continue on the passenger side. The crystal elements look fancy but can dazzle when hit by the sun from a few angles. However, they do add a new dimension to the premium finish.