The Italians seem to have taken another big step on the exterior design front with the McCormick X7, which was eventually unveiled at SIMA.

Both the four- and six-cylinders are looking more and more like McCormick’s big-selling rivals like MF with curvy bonnets and smoother contours.

Under the nose the six cylinder versions share the same engine with the X70 – a 6.7-litre.

Three six-cylinder tractors make up the X7.6 range, with outputs from 175-212hp (with boost). All use SCR to keep emission nasties under control and have 24-speed powershift boxes.

At the back 123-litres/min hydraulics and three spools are standard, but as many as six can be plumbed in if you fancy them. Rear lift is 9.3t and the tractors come with four pto speeds.

It’s in the cab where the biggest changes have taken place. McCormicks are no longer reserved for those looking for a simple set-up – the new ones get a multi-function armrest and button-caked joystick. There’s also a clever-looking fold-up passenger seat and fridge. One downside might be the visibility because of large pillars and the low-hanging roof.

Also launched at the show was a super-powerful four-cylinder version – the X7.4. There are three models from 143hp to 175hp, which use the same ZF electrohydraulic transmission as the bigger boys.

All the tractors will be available later in the summer, and look out for McCormick’s first CVT tractor at Agritechnica in November.