BMW X7 Dirt Edition by Manhart Joins the Army with Armored Look

The tuner lifted the suspension and fitted mud-terrain tires to the X7 for 0.0001 percent off-road.

BMW customers rarely buy SUVs for off-road capability. Instead, they opt for X models that combine luxury and comfort with technology and practicality. What if BMW had a reliable, go-anywhere SUV? Manhart has an idea. They’ve been working on the X7 in the M50i top-spec to improve its off-road capabilities. But, this is not a Mercedes-AMG G63 competitor.

BMW X7 Dirt Edition by Manhart Joins the Army with Armored Look
The full-size SUV’s air suspension was designed to increase the vehicle’s ground clearance by 40 millimeters (1.57 inch). The “high heels” were designed to give the X7 a more muscular appearance and to make room for Manhart’s custom 20-inch Black Rhino wheels. The shoes are covered in mud-terrain tires that measure a chunky 215/50 R20.

The tuner said that BMW’s top-of-the-line SUV “can easily navigate very stony and muddy terrain.” However, Manhart says that very few X7 owners venture off the beaten track as large premium SUVs rarely leave the asphalt. It’s still a clever way to make Bavaria’s top-tier model X look better.

A full body wrap made of matte black and brushed surfaces gives it the appearance of an armored car. The fake rivets make it appear that the SUV has body armor. The X5 Protect VR6 special model is the best choice if you want a BMW X SUV that has an armored body right from the factory.

BMW X7 Dirt Edition by Manhart Joins the Army with Armored Look

BMW X7 Dirt Edition by Manhart Joins the Army with Armored Look

Manhart spent time also modifying the engine to get 641 horsepower (679 pound-feet of torque) out of the twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V8. Standard specification generates 523 HP and 750 Nm (553lb-ft).

The Wuppertal-based tuner isn’t the first to give one of BMW’s SUVs “Dirt” treatment. The previous-generation X6 got a rugged appearance that even included a snorkel. The original X6 received a Dirt Edition at the 2012 Essen Motor Show.