Manhart turns a BMW X7 into a quasi-military kinda-SUV

Manhart Performance has rolled out its own take on the BMW X7, proudly titled the MHX7 650 Dirt Edition². Let’s see how well prepared it is for, well, dirt.

Not that well, perhaps, given the fact that the car is still an Х7 M50i at heart. Rides like this one prioritize comfort and luxury over off-road performance. The armor you can see is fake, although it makes a spirited attempt to look real with all the wire brushing and rivets.

Things get more serious in the suspension department: the X7 gains 40 mm (1.6”) of extra ride height owing to tweaks to its OEM air-ride suspension. Stock wheels yield their place to sturdy Black Rhino rims featuring beadlock protection and capable all-terrain tires.

The 4.4-liter V8 TT benefits from a boost from its original 530 to 650 PS (523 – 641 hp; 390 – 478 kW, respectively). The torque goes up from 750 to 920 Nm (553 – 679 lb-ft).

Manhart claims the SUV feels at home on muddy and rocky terrain. Do you find it plausible?