BMW has been selling SUVs since 1999, but there had never been a two-tone luxury model until the launch of the Nishiki Lounge earlier this year. It’s a Japan-exclusive special edition that commands a 5.5 million yen ($36,000) premium over the standard X7 due to its distinctive two-tone treatment. The example shown at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo combines Space Silver with Velvet Blue. Alternatively, the upper part can be painted in Oxide Gray or Black Sapphire, while the lower part is offered in several individual colors.
Technically speaking, the X7 Nishiki Lounge with its two-tone finish doesn’t leave BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. Instead, the vehicle will be repainted by BMW Japan, with the process fully covered by the warranty. Buyers can choose between this xDrive40d or the hotter M60i. Production is limited to just five units, making it an exceptionally rare sight. Prices start at 14,380,000 yen (US$94,000) for the diesel and 18,200,000 yen (US$120,000) for the M Performance model. However, this is before the additional costs for the special painting.
Beyond the exterior, BMW Japan has given the interior an equally extensive makeover. The X7 Nishiki Lounge deviates from the standard “G07” interior and features exclusive trim pieces with 12 traditional Japanese patterns. Foil decorations adorn the door panels, the center console and the dashboard. Honestly, these details wouldn’t be out of place in a custom Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Even the floor mats have been redesigned by a high-quality local textile manufacturer.
It’s still too early to say whether this special edition is a one-off affair or a preview of even more customized X7 models. We know that the second generation (“G67”), which is due to appear in 2027, will be joined by an even higher quality “G69” with the ALPINA logo. The latter is expected to further raise the luxury level, likely justifying a hefty premium over its BMW counterpart.
It’s high time BMW brought the same level of personalization as the 7 Series to its SUV lineup. With ALPINA able to close the gap on Rolls-Royce, a fully equipped X7 could carve out a niche for buyers who can’t quite commit to a Cullinan. Given BMW’s success with bespoke projects like the Speedtop and Skytop, it’s easy to imagine more SUVs receiving similar treatment in the future.
There’s an insatiable appetite for high-end SUVs, and BMW would do well to apply the lessons of sedan customization to these rolling luxury lounges.
