2023 BMW X7 Review
Already one of my favorite three-row SUVs, the updated 2023 X7 approaches perfection.
There is no shortage of ultra-premium SUVs over which to drool such as the Urus, Cullinan, or Bentayga but for less than $100,000 the BMW X7 isn’t playing second fiddle to any of them. Refreshed in all the right ways for the 2023 model year, the X7 is BMW at its SAV best and a true standout in the luxury three-row class.
SALES SUCCESS
When I first drove the X7 upon its debut in 2019 it was evident that BMW’s long-awaited three-row SUV was going to be a huge success. Case in point: it outsold all of its rivals last year including the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7 and this substantial refresh will only increase the X7’s desirability. Introducing BMW’s new design language for luxury models, the heavily revised front end instantly changes the X7’s stance to that of a more athletic machine with the split headlights and illuminated grille adding true distinction. In M Sport design and painted Brooklyn Grey with optional twenty-two-inch wheels and extended Shadowline trim, this is one gorgeous SUV with presence for days.
V8 NOT REQUIRED
Looking anything but base, this is the xDrive40i – the entry-level X7. Priced from $78,845 it’s offered in Luxury and M Sport designs to suite specific tastes. An aero kit, sport seats, special exhaust system and uprated brakes are a smattering of the M Sport goodies while this X7 also benefits from nearly every package and option presenting itself as top-of-the-line. But without the Executive Package (glass controls, massaging seats) or a V8, this X7 is the first rung on the build sheet ladder. MSRP as-tested is $93,745 making this a ride for the 1% but when compared to the astronomical prices commanded by some of the aforementioned elite SUVs the X7 is a bargain proposition for those who’s egos needn’t an exotic badge.
MORE POWER, MORE COMFORT
Beyond its modernized appearance, this X7 is more powerful and fitted with BMW’s updated iDrive 8 infotainment system and curved display. Utilizing the latest 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, the new turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine boasts 40 more horsepower and considerably more torque than its predecessor while also improving fuel economy. Rated at 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque with a quick boost to 398 pound-feet under maximum acceleration, the X7 is a little quicker than before – 0-to-60 MPH arrives 2/10ths faster at 5.6 seconds. Gas mileage is up a tick to 21 MPG city/25 MPG highway. Stepping up to the V8-powered M60i lops more than a full second off of that time but this reengineered six is spectacularly smooth and torquey rendering more cylinders completely overkill. The M Sport exhaust system doesn’t contribute much auditory enhancement but paired with the new 8-speed transmission with launch control this 40i is as slick and as quick as most every driver could want. Grab the left paddle shifter and hold it to initiate Sprint – all powertrain and chassis systems go directly to their sportiest settings and the electric boost is activated. It’s all very composed yet exciting.
WIDENED DYNAMIC RANGE
But my favorite X7 attributes are its remarkable ride quality and super-hushed cabin. The miles simply melt away in here as the X7 makes quick and seamless work of any road imperfections, virtually eliminates body roll and fosters a sense of peace; I could drive this forever. The air suspension, retuned chassis systems and active roll stabilization in addition to rear-wheel steering make for an exceptional passenger experience. The range between comfort and sport settings has been further extended with this update. Press the drive mode button, whether it’s ECO PRO, Comfort or Sport, and changes start happening. The ambient lighting, most pronounced on the X7 graphic in front of the passenger’s seat, moves from blue to red or any other color you’d like, the body raises or lowers accordingly, the seats tighten or relax and the chassis morphs into whatever it is you desire. Typically this X7 would be wearing summer-use tires but because of the season this one is fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Winter run flats which work wonderfully. I highly recommend them but the price is exorbitant: over $800 per for the massively wide rear tires. From its surprisingly nimble handling to the supreme comfort it affords, the X7’s drive is beyond reproach.
SEAT CONTROLS SIX WAYS TO SUNDAY
One of the X7’s hallmark features is its seating controls. No matter the row, there are myriad buttons and switches to move them in every way possible and not just for individual comfort but for the various passenger and cargo configurations. The neatest trick is the ability to convert from max people space to max hauling by pressing a single switch in the cargo area. The power split-fold tailgate also includes a button to lower the body for easier loading. Entering the nicely sized third row seats is accomplished at the touch of a button which kicks off a Rube Goldberg-like set of seat movements as the front seats slide forward and the second row seats articulate up and away. It’s certainly a labor-free experience but everything about these seat machinations takes a little to long to complete. Also note, that second row captain’s chairs are optionally available but this tester goes three-across to make it a true seven-seater. Those five rear seat passengers are treated to a multitude of USB ports, separate glass roofs with controllable sun shades, power shades on each window, personalized climate controls, heated seats in each row, power slide and recline and headrest pillows in the outboard second row positions. Want to splurge even further? Add the Executive Package for the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof. That package also includes massaging front seats and heated and cooled cupholders.
THE LATEST IDRIVE
The smallish center screen of the previous year’s model was the only telltale sign of aging so BMW has gone full 12.3-inch curved display melding into a 14.9-inch central control display. It’s a touchscreen with tablet-like tiles that can also be controlled via the typical iDrive rotary controller or through voice with a wakeup word such as “Hey BMW.” It even responds to hand gestures as part of the Premium Package. It’s very modern with an augmented navigation system that uses the front camera and directional arrow overlays to bring reality to driving directions. The head-up display is also packed with bits of information that transcend speed. The surround view camera gets its own real button however I wish the climate-controlled seats and heated steering wheel activations were also off the screen because it takes a second or two to boot up. What’s missing? There’s no rearview camera mirror and there’s no hands-free highway driving.
AVAILABLE IN THREE FLAVORS
The soft-close doors, the extended welcome lighting mat, the heated armrests; this new X7 had me at hello. There’s also a judicious use of environmentally-friendly materials employed such as the new leather-like Sensafin seating surfaces. Assembled in South Carolina and also available as the V8-powered M60i and soon as the range-topping ALPINA XB7, the X7 xDrive40i is a dream machine made even better.
There is no shortage of ultra-premium SUVs over which to drool such as the Urus, Cullinan, or Bentayga but for less than $100,000 the BMW X7 isn’t playing second fiddle to any of them. Refreshed in all the right ways for the 2023 model year, the X7 is BMW at its SAV best and a true standout in the luxury three-row class.
SALES SUCCESS
When I first drove the X7 upon its debut in 2019 it was evident that BMW’s long-awaited three-row SUV was going to be a huge success. Case in point: it outsold all of its rivals last year including the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7 and this substantial refresh will only increase the X7’s desirability. Introducing BMW’s new design language for luxury models, the heavily revised front end instantly changes the X7’s stance to that of a more athletic machine with the split headlights and illuminated grille adding true distinction. In M Sport design and painted Brooklyn Grey with optional twenty-two-inch wheels and extended Shadowline trim, this is one gorgeous SUV with presence for days.
V8 NOT REQUIRED
Looking anything but base, this is the xDrive40i – the entry-level X7. Priced from $78,845 it’s offered in Luxury and M Sport designs to suite specific tastes. An aero kit, sport seats, special exhaust system and uprated brakes are a smattering of the M Sport goodies while this X7 also benefits from nearly every package and option presenting itself as top-of-the-line. But without the Executive Package (glass controls, massaging seats) or a V8, this X7 is the first rung on the build sheet ladder. MSRP as-tested is $93,745 making this a ride for the 1% but when compared to the astronomical prices commanded by some of the aforementioned elite SUVs the X7 is a bargain proposition for those who’s egos needn’t an exotic badge.
MORE POWER, MORE COMFORT
Beyond its modernized appearance, this X7 is more powerful and fitted with BMW’s updated iDrive 8 infotainment system and curved display. Utilizing the latest 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, the new turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine boasts 40 more horsepower and considerably more torque than its predecessor while also improving fuel economy. Rated at 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque with a quick boost to 398 pound-feet under maximum acceleration, the X7 is a little quicker than before – 0-to-60 MPH arrives 2/10ths faster at 5.6 seconds. Gas mileage is up a tick to 21 MPG city/25 MPG highway. Stepping up to the V8-powered M60i lops more than a full second off of that time but this reengineered six is spectacularly smooth and torquey rendering more cylinders completely overkill. The M Sport exhaust system doesn’t contribute much auditory enhancement but paired with the new 8-speed transmission with launch control this 40i is as slick and as quick as most every driver could want. Grab the left paddle shifter and hold it to initiate Sprint – all powertrain and chassis systems go directly to their sportiest settings and the electric boost is activated. It’s all very composed yet exciting.
WIDENED DYNAMIC RANGE
But my favorite X7 attributes are its remarkable ride quality and super-hushed cabin. The miles simply melt away in here as the X7 makes quick and seamless work of any road imperfections, virtually eliminates body roll and fosters a sense of peace; I could drive this forever. The air suspension, retuned chassis systems and active roll stabilization in addition to rear-wheel steering make for an exceptional passenger experience. The range between comfort and sport settings has been further extended with this update. Press the drive mode button, whether it’s ECO PRO, Comfort or Sport, and changes start happening. The ambient lighting, most pronounced on the X7 graphic in front of the passenger’s seat, moves from blue to red or any other color you’d like, the body raises or lowers accordingly, the seats tighten or relax and the chassis morphs into whatever it is you desire. Typically this X7 would be wearing summer-use tires but because of the season this one is fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Winter run flats which work wonderfully. I highly recommend them but the price is exorbitant: over $800 per for the massively wide rear tires. From its surprisingly nimble handling to the supreme comfort it affords, the X7’s drive is beyond reproach.
SEAT CONTROLS SIX WAYS TO SUNDAY
One of the X7’s hallmark features is its seating controls. No matter the row, there are myriad buttons and switches to move them in every way possible and not just for individual comfort but for the various passenger and cargo configurations. The neatest trick is the ability to convert from max people space to max hauling by pressing a single switch in the cargo area. The power split-fold tailgate also includes a button to lower the body for easier loading. Entering the nicely sized third row seats is accomplished at the touch of a button which kicks off a Rube Goldberg-like set of seat movements as the front seats slide forward and the second row seats articulate up and away. It’s certainly a labor-free experience but everything about these seat machinations takes a little to long to complete. Also note, that second row captain’s chairs are optionally available but this tester goes three-across to make it a true seven-seater. Those five rear seat passengers are treated to a multitude of USB ports, separate glass roofs with controllable sun shades, power shades on each window, personalized climate controls, heated seats in each row, power slide and recline and headrest pillows in the outboard second row positions. Want to splurge even further? Add the Executive Package for the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof. That package also includes massaging front seats and heated and cooled cupholders.
THE LATEST IDRIVE
The smallish center screen of the previous year’s model was the only telltale sign of aging so BMW has gone full 12.3-inch curved display melding into a 14.9-inch central control display. It’s a touchscreen with tablet-like tiles that can also be controlled via the typical iDrive rotary controller or through voice with a wakeup word such as “Hey BMW.” It even responds to hand gestures as part of the Premium Package. It’s very modern with an augmented navigation system that uses the front camera and directional arrow overlays to bring reality to driving directions. The head-up display is also packed with bits of information that transcend speed. The surround view camera gets its own real button however I wish the climate-controlled seats and heated steering wheel activations were also off the screen because it takes a second or two to boot up. What’s missing? There’s no rearview camera mirror and there’s no hands-free highway driving.
AVAILABLE IN THREE FLAVORS
The soft-close doors, the extended welcome lighting mat, the heated armrests; this new X7 had me at hello. There’s also a judicious use of environmentally-friendly materials employed such as the new leather-like Sensafin seating surfaces. Assembled in South Carolina and also available as the V8-powered M60i and soon as the range-topping ALPINA XB7, the X7 xDrive40i is a dream machine made even better.