Borgward BX7

The Borgward BX7 is a seven-seat premium SUV designed to cater to Indian families seeking space, comfort, and modern features. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, offering smooth performance and good handling for both city and highway driving. The cabin is spacious, with three rows of seats and a host of safety features, including multiple airbags, collision assist, and lane-keeping systems. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen and intuitive controls, enhancing the overall driving experience. The BX7’s design is modern and functional, with a comfortable ride and adequate power for everyday use. It stands out for its value proposition, offering a premium feel at a competitive price, making it a compelling choice for buyers in the premium SUV segment.

The Borgward BX7 is a premium seven-seat SUV that marks the revival of the historic German brand with modern Chinese backing. It features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 224 PS and 300 Nm torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and intelligent all-wheel drive, offering agile yet comfortable driving dynamics. Inside, the instrument panel is dominated by a large 12.3-inch multifunction touchscreen with sophisticated connectivity and control options, while the cabin offers seating for seven with safety equipment including multiple airbags across all rows and advanced driver aids like collision warning and lane assist. Design-wise, the BX7 blends bold German styling with contemporary touches including LED lighting and tight body cladding. It competes in a segment populated by global SUVs, bringing strong equipment levels at a competitive price in India. While the brand is relatively new here, the BX7 aims to establish itself through distinctive looks, advanced tech, and a solid ride, appealing to premium SUV buyers seeking an alternative to established brands.

The Borgward BX7 stands out in India’s premium SUV segment as a well-rounded package that blends German design cues with practical family-friendly features. It offers a comfortable ride, spacious seven-seat cabin, and a host of modern safety and tech features that make it a strong contender against established rivals. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivers adequate power for city and highway driving, while the eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth shifts. Handling is competent, though not sporty, making it ideal for those prioritising comfort over sharp dynamics. The interior quality is good, with a large touchscreen and intuitive controls, but it doesn’t quite match the premium feel of some German rivals. The BX7’s main strengths are its value for money, spaciousness, and feature-rich offering, making it a solid choice for buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped SUV without the premium price tag.

The Borgward BX7 stands out in the Indian premium SUV segment by offering a blend of sharp German design cues and modern technology at a competitive price. It sports a distinctive octagonal grille, LED projector lamps, and a spacious, well-equipped cabin with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s among the largest in its category. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine delivering 224 PS and 300 Nm, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, results in confident performance with a sub-10 second 0-100 km/h acceleration. Ride quality is comfortable, and the safety package is comprehensive, including multiple airbags and advanced driver assistance systems such as collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist. While build quality might not fully match premium German rivals, it reflects solid Chinese manufacturing improvements, making the BX7 a compelling option for buyers seeking style, equipment, and space with decent driving dynamics in India. After-sales and long-term reliability remain factors to consider, but the BX7 definitely adds fresh appeal and choice to this growing SUV segment.

The Borgward BX7 is set to receive a successor, with rumors suggesting that only the electric version (BX i7) will be replaced in the near future. This move is part of Borgwards strategy to strengthen its SUV lineup. I think this focus on electric vehicles is a smart move given the global shift towards sustainability.

Borgward has been working on reviving its brand with new SUV models, including the BX7. The company announced plans to open a plant in Bremen, Germany, for the assembly of the BXi7, an electric SUV evolved from the BX7. This move indicates Borgwards commitment to its home market. I believe this could be a significant step in regaining customer trust in Europe.

The Borgward BX7 had a successful quarter in 2019, with sales rising by 23.5% year-over-year, selling 2,309 units. This increase was a major factor in Borgwards overall sales rebound. The BX7s performance is a positive sign for the companys revival efforts. I think this shows the BX7 is a competitive player in the SUV market.

Borgward announced facelifts for the two BX7 variants in 2020/2021, with successors expected in 2023 or 2024. This indicates the companys ongoing commitment to updating and improving its SUV lineup. I believe these updates will help keep the BX7 competitive in the market.

Borgward planned to sell the BX7 in Germany starting from July 2018, with sales to be handled via the internet and service provided by ATU, a network of repair shops. This innovative sales approach was aimed at making the vehicle more accessible to European customers. I believe this online sales strategy could help Borgward reach a wider audience.

The Borgward BX7 is priced in India with an ex-showroom range of approximately ₹32 lakh to ₹38 lakh, depending on the variant and features. On-road prices, including registration, insurance, and other charges, typically fall between ₹36 lakh and ₹43 lakh. This positions the BX7 competitively against rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Fortuner, offering similar or better features at a slightly lower price point. The pricing strategy makes it attractive for buyers looking for a premium SUV experience without stretching their budget too much. However, it’s important to factor in the cost of ownership, including service intervals and spare parts, which may be higher than mainstream brands due to the relatively new presence of Borgward in India. Overall, the BX7 offers good value for money, especially for those who prioritise features and space over brand recognition.

In India, the Borgward BX7 retails in the range of approximately ₹35 lakh to ₹39 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the variant and state of registration. On-road prices, including insurance, road tax, and registration fees, could push the figure close to ₹40 lakh in metro cities. This positions the BX7 competitively against other premium SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Kodiaq, and certain variants of the Jeep Compass. Given the generous feature list, seven-seat configuration, and German design heritage badge, the BX7 offers substantial value for the price. Buyers should also consider the availability of service centers and after-sales support, which may be more limited compared to established brands. The price reflects the brand’s ambition to carve a niche in India’s premium SUV market, targeting buyers willing to explore alternatives to traditional German, Japanese, and Korean offerings, especially those looking for advanced tech and aesthetics with solid performance.

The Borgward BX7 delivers a real-world mileage of around 10-12 kmpl in city driving and 13-15 kmpl on highways, which is decent for a large seven-seat SUV with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. For buyers concerned about running costs, this translates to moderate fuel expenses, especially if the vehicle is used primarily for city commutes. The mileage is competitive within its segment, but it’s not class-leading, so those prioritising fuel efficiency should consider diesel alternatives or smaller SUVs. However, the BX7’s comfort and features make it a practical choice for families who value space and convenience over maximum mileage.

The BX7’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine is expected to deliver around 10-12 km/l under Indian driving conditions. While this may not be class-leading, it is reasonable for a seven-seat, all-wheel-drive SUV with a focus on performance and comfort over outright fuel economy. Buyers prioritizing mileage and lower running costs might want to weigh the trade-offs against the vehicle’s spaciousness, features, and dynamic ability.