A most surprising drive in a Borgward BX7

WE HAVE TO admit, our previous knowledge on the Borgward brand before this week's test drive was limited at best. An old German marque, which produced rather fine coupes and saloons up until the early '60s, it was not until January of last year (with the help of Chinese investment and manufacturing) the carmaker again began producing vehicles. So what has changed in the interim half-century or so? The company has re-entered the market with an ever-popular SUV. What has remained the same: an expert eye for luxury and style and some truly impressive engineering. Let's find out more.
So why was it so surprising?
Cards on the table, because it far exceeded our expectations in every department. Like a film starring little-known actors often turns out to be far more compelling than a summer block-buster, the lack of familiarity with Borgward worked in the BX7's favour. When presented with the well-appointed and good looking car, we were taken aback. We had envisioned a perfectly serviceable, standard, perhaps somewhat dull SUV and what we received was a car that easily rivals its other European counterparts in terms of build and drive quality, but crucially looks and feels far more premium than its price would suggest.
What was the drive like?
Dynamic, compact and, weirdly...fun. Regular readers will be well aware of our usual indifference towards most crossovers and smaller 4x4s, but the BX7 proffers a sensation rarely experienced in this class of car - liveliness. The driving position, the way you're connected to the road and the sharp turning abilities are superb. There is no other word for it; the two-litre turbo GDI engine producing 220hp is highly enjoyable! It provides everything you need and more. A top speed of just over 200km/h isn't blistering, but you can find yourself flying along pretty quick when you put your foot down. We loved it. Simple as that.
And inside?
Again, a far more upmarket feel that you would anticipate. All the gadgets to hand you'll require including a reverse camera and mobile phone synchronisation, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable leather seats (higher-spec models), a pleasing dash display - everything where it should be and really well put together. Seriously, we're running out of different ways to convey how dippy we are about this car.
The exterior
You're going to think we're joking here, but we're being absolutely candid - when we approached the BX7 from behind it bore more than a passing resemblance to a Porsche Cayenne. Perhaps one of their earlier models, but nonetheless the similarity was there. Do a comparison for yourself. Up front, obviously is a different story, though we thought this Borgward had an attractive silhouette.
Would we have one?
Starting from Dhs100,000 all in - yes. Very much, yes. We haven't come across such an eye-opening vehicle in quite a while.
Specs
Engine: 2.0T GDI
Power: 220hp
Top speed: 208km/h
Price: from Dhs100,000
david@khaleejtimes.com