Overview
When it comes to moving a luxurious family, there’s no better BMW than the X7, the brand’s luxury three-row SUV. Although its cargo area and rearmost seats aren’t as spacious as rivals like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, the Bimmer offers better driving manners and an impressive choice of engines. They range from a 375-hp turbo-six to a 523-hp twin-turbo V-8, with the latter producing 630 horses on the top-of-the-line, maximum-performance Alpina XB7. All models have all-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension system that promotes a pillow-like ride. The 2023 X7’s interior is quiet, but it’s also packed with high-end materials and modern technology like the dash’s giant curved glass display. Those features, combined with the X7’s towing capabilities and a host of standard active safety technologies, make the biggest BMW among the best.
What’s New for 2023?
The 2023 X7 receives a mid-cycle refresh that includes a more expressive front end and a new dashboard design with a large digital display and BMW’s latest infotainment system. BMW’s largest SUV also has more standard features and new driver assistance technologies. For the first time, BMW will offer a set of 23-inch rims as well. The X7 also benefits from an updated powertrain. The xDrive40i’s turbocharged six-cylinder now produces 375 horsepower (up 40) and up to 398 pound-feet of torque (up 67). The V-8 model name changes from M50i to M60i, and its new 4.4-liter, 48-volt twin-turbo hybrid system is said to make for a more efficient duo. The range-topping Alpina XB7 has a more powerful setup than the M60i making 630 horsepower–18 more than before.
Price and Which One to Buy
Even with our fondness for the twin-turbo V-8’s horsepower and noteworthy performance, we’d recommend the X7 xDrive40i. It has desirable standard features including four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, power adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated front seats, power tailgate and more. We’ll also add one of the Vernasca leather upholstery options and a Premium package that includes a head-up display, gesture controls and soft-close doors.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The entry-level X7 xDrive40i is powered by a turbocharged 375 hp inline six-cylinder, and the M60i has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that produces 523 horses. The Alpina XB7 has a specially tuned version of the V-8, which produces 630 horsepower. All three engines are mated to eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Every X7 rides on air suspension with adaptive dampers, and the chassis can be further enhanced with available rear-axle steering and an active anti-roll bar that reduces body motion. Both features are standard on the M60i, which has a sportier suspension setup by default. The smallest wheel on the X7 measures 21 inches in diameter, but BMW now also offers 23 inches for the first time. On our test track, the racier-looking M60i hit 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. The V-8 engine emits a warm burble under heavy throttle, too. Handling is very nimble for a large SUV and the X7’s steering is precise and well weighted. We haven’t put the xDrive40i model through our instrumented tests yet, but we’ve spent some time behind the wheel and can report that it’s both smooth and very powerful, making it a better fit for people who prefer a more luxurious experience.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
The 2023 X7 is most efficient when it’s equipped with the standard inline-six. The xDrive40i model receives an EPA rating of 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Using the V-8-powered M60i model means hitting the pump more often, as that model is rated for 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the M60i we tested surprised us with a 23-mpg result. For more information on the X7’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Inside, the X7’s dashboard is dominated by a large, slightly curved digital display. The panel has a 12.3-inch gauge cluster for the driver and a 14.9-inch touchscreen that is operated by the infotainment system. Plenty of luxury features can be found inside too, including heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable steering and ambient interior lighting. However, we were annoyed by how slowly the power-operated second-row captain’s chair moved when trying to let people in and out of the third row. Likewise, the rear seats aren’t very roomy for adults on long drives. Still, no one will complain about the X7’s ample interior cubby storage. Although we only managed to fit three suitcases behind the third row, we fit 33 total with all the rear seats stowed.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The X7’s infotainment system–which features the latest iDrive 8 software–primarily operates via a 14.9-inch touchscreen housed in a curved glass panel above the dashboard. The system can also be operated by a large rotary knob on the center console as well as through gesture controls that are more gimmicky than useful. Along with a Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required), every X7 is available with a BMW Digital Key that allows users to remotely control the vehicle’s functions via a smartphone app. A more powerful Harman/Kardon stereo and wireless charging are optional features.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Every X7 has a wide variety of standard driver assistance technologies in addition to some more advanced options. For more information on X7 crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
- Standard lane departure warning
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW offers a limited warranty and a competitive powertrain backed by above-average free scheduled maintenance.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Free maintenance covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2023 BMW X7 M60i
Vehicle Type: front engine, all wheel drive, 6 passenger, 4 door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $104,095/$122,545
Optional: Frozen Marina Bay Blue Metallic paint, $5500; Bowers & Wilkins audio system, $3400; black full Merino leather upholstery, $2700; Executive package (glass controls, heated and cooled cup holders, front massaging seats, LED Panoramic Sky Lounge roof), $2100; Driving Assistance Pro Package (adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assist, steering assist and traffic congestion, automatic lane change, avoidance assist and forward cross-traffic alert), $1700; Climate Comfort Package (five-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats), $1600; second-row captain’s chairs, $850; M Sport Pro Package (extended Shadowline trim, M Sport brakes with blue calipers), $300; carbon fiber trim, $300
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 268 in34395 cm3
Power: 523 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multi-link/multi-link
Brakes, F/R: 15.6-in vented disc/15.7-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Run Flats
F: 275/40R-22 107Y Extra Load ★ KS
R: 315/35R-22 111Y Extra Load ★ KS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.2 in
Length: 203.6 in
Width: 78.7 inches
Height: 72.2 inches
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 58/50/34 feet3
Cargo Volume: 12 feet3
Curb Weight: 5838 lb
C/D TEST RESULT
60 mph: 3.8 seconds
100 mph: 9.8 seconds
1/4-Mile: 12.3 seconds @ 111 mph
120 mph: 14.6 seconds
The above results leave a 1 foot launch for 0.2 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 seconds
Top Speed ​​(gov ltd): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 155 feet
Braking, 100–0 mph: 316 feet
Road grip, 300-foot Skid Pad: 0.85 g
C/D OIL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
75-mph Highway Drive: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 500 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18/16/21 mpg
C/D TESTS EXPLAINED
More Features and Specifications