First introduced in 2019, the BMW X7 was designed to be the largest and most-technologically advanced BMW to date. The technology-leadership has somewhat been tossed to the similar BMW XM, but the X7 is still BMW's largest crossover, seating up to 7 passengers. Changes to the X7 for 2023 include updated front and rear styling, more power for the base engine and a freshened dashboard design. Competitors include the Audi Q7, Cadillac XT6 and Escalade, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX, Lincoln Aviator and Nivigator, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Volvo XC90.
The X7 lineup includes xDrive40i and M60i models. Nomenclature aside, both come standard with all-wheel drive. The xDrive40i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower (up 40 from last year) and 398 lb-ft of torque. The M60i comes with a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 rated at 523 hp and 553 lb-ft or torque. Both pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. When properly equipped, the X7 has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.
Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, front and rear parking sensors and automatic high beam headlights. Also included on every X7 are adjustable air suspension, 21-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, 4-zone climate control, heated front seats, armrests and steering wheel, 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play, wireless device charger and head-up display. M60i models add 23-inch wheels, M sport exhaust, rear-wheel steering, leather upholstery, soft-close doors, gesture control, surround-view camera and 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The X7 xDrive40i lists for $78,845 and the M60i has a starting price of $104,095.
BMW's inline six is a gem of a engine, buttery smooth with seamless power delivery, and the power boost for 2023 makes a huge difference. Stomp on the gas and the 40i will accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 5.5 seconds. That's quicker than just about anything in the class. Opting for the twin-turbo V8 in the M60i drops the 0 to 60 MPH time to less than 4.5 seconds. With no loss in smoothness or drivability. Both engines mate well to the 8-speed automatic, who's only downside are overzealous upshifts when in ECO mode.
BMW's all-wheel drive system is one of the best in the business. Though not designed for off-road slogging, it can vary torque front to rear and side to side to help maintain the best traction. In addition, on dry roads, the torque vectoring helps improve stability and overall roadholding.
As you might expect, the X7 isn't the most efficient vehicle from a fuel economy standpoint. The X40i is EPA rated at 21 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. V8 models net ratings of only 16/21 MPG. Both engines require premium-grade gasoline. Still, those numbers aren't terrible when compared to other 3-row luxury crossovers and rear-world driving tends to yield about 20-22 MPG overall. The large 22-gallon fuel tank provides ample highway range.
Despite a 5,600-pound curb weight, the X7 manages to feel more like a BMW than you'd expect. Every X7 rides an air suspension with adaptive dampers, and rear-axle steering and active anti-roll bars are available as well. The M60i has a sportier suspension setup by default, but both models are lithe for a large SUV.
The ride is Euro-firm but never punishing. There's enough compliance in the suspension to soften large impacts, but unfortunately, there's a business on the M60i models due to the 23-inch wheels that a trifle unsettling on Chicago's frost-heaved pavement. Steering is accurate and tracks true on the highway. Brakes have ample stopping power and an easy-to-modulate pedal.
Wind and road noise are nicely suppressed. There's a hint of engine noise under hard acceleration, but it's a refined growl that's very appropriate and appealing.
Inside, changes for 2023 have created a dashboard is dominated by a massive curved digital display. The panel boasts a 12.3-inch gauge cluster for the driver and a 14.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment. Materials are beyond reproach and assembly quality is top notch.
The X7 is kind of a tweener when it comes to large crossovers. It's bigger than you'd expect but not quite big enough to put adults in all three rows. Still the first and second row seats are roomy and extremely comfortable and supporting. The third-row seats are mostly for kids or smaller adults, plus, it the second-row seats are irritatingly slow as they power forward to let people in and out of the third row.
From a functionality standpoint, BMW didn't mess with the driving basics. Important controls are right where they should be, outward visibility is excellent and almost every button and switch is lighted for easy operation at night. On the tech side, the touchscreen infotainment system has a large and vivid screen that's quick to respond. Still, it is one of the more complex systems around as it absorbs all of the radio, HVAC and vehicle system controls. That's fine for the tech savvy, off putting for those that prefer simpler, more analog controls.
X7 has a unique 2-piece clamshell tailgate. The larger top half opens conventionally with a smaller section dropping down like a tailgate. This can be good at preventing items from dropping when you open the back, but also makes for a harder load/unload process. From a capacity standpoint, the X7 can't match up to full-size crossover competitors. With the third-row folded, it offers about 60 cubic feet and with all seats folded about 90 cubic feet. Interior storage is great with interior cubbies throughout.
Bottom Line -- Don't be put off by the price, just about every three-row luxury crossover is broaching the $100K mark. There's lots to like on the X7, especially if you like to drive as it's probably the most on-road capable offering in the class. That comes at a price though, and that price is overall interior and cargo room, which fall a bit short of competitors.
|
|