The BMW X7 comes with a choice of two engines. The xDrive40i is powered by a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine fed by a turbocharger, sending power to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic. BMW claims the X7 xDrive40i makes 335 horsepower, which is enough get the vehicle up to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, so despite not having overwhelming amounts of horsepower on paper, the xDrive40i is pretty quick. For those wanting more power, the xDrive50i is powered by a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 making 456 horsepower. Acceleration with the xDrive50i is blisteringly quick for an SUV.
Regardless of which engine is ordered, the X7 comes in two basic flavors dubbed Luxury and M Sport. From the outside, the two trim levels couldn't be more different, the Luxury features plenty of exterior brushed aluminum around the windows and the lower door sills, while the M sport features more aggressive wheels, blacked out aluminum and bigger grill openings in the front fascia.
Regardless of trim level, the X7 is generous with its standard features, which include 21-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights and LED fog lights. Inside, the X7 comes standard with 16-way power front seats, a 10-speaker sound system with HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, a leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, BMW ConnectedDrive services, dynamic cruise control, a panoramic moonroof featuring a 2-piece glass panel, 4-zone automatic climate control, rain sensing wipers, a power tailgate, park distance control, BMW's extended ambient lighting system and three stage heated front seats.
Options are plentiful on the X7 and include a variety of 21 and 22-inch wheel designs, a variety of Vernasca Leather and merino leather upholstered interiors, five different types of wood trimmed dashboards and of course several packages.
A Dynamic Handling Package will up the sportiness on the X7 by adding integrated active steering, M Sport brakes and a suspension system that will use cameras to view the road ahead and preemptively adjust suspension stiffness on the fly for improved handling. An Off-Road Package adds upgraded differentials, several off-road driving modes and underbody armor. A Premium Package offers heated and cooled cupholders, a heads-up display, a remote engine starting system, self-closing automatic doors, rear wind shades, a 360-watt Harman/Kardon sound system and gesture controls for the infotainment system.
Luxurious Interior
Seating For Seven
All-wheel Drive
Surprising Fun For A Full-size SUV
Technology-packed
The BMW X7 is a brand-new vehicle from the Bavarian marque. It's a full-size SUV, sitting at the very top of BMW's X-lineup, offering three rows of seating for passengers, rather than the standard two rows that come in the rest of BMW's SUV lineup. The German automaker has of course, taken pains to ensure the vehicle balances the requirements of utility vehicle, with the luxury-sportiness requirements of a vehicle built by BMW.
The BMW X7 is the largest and most expensive SUV in their lineup, positioned as the next step up from the X5, though it is also bigger and more expensive than the sporty X6. Its main competition is the Mercedes Benz GLS, with both starting right around $70,000. The X7 wins the styling comparison, with its oversized kidney grilles and imposing profile. The BMW also offers a far more engaging driving experience, with more road feel and just a hint of sports car baked in. There are less-expensive alternatives such as the Audi Q7 and the Cadillac Escalade. However, the Audi rides on an aging platform and feels more cramped inside. The Escalade feels plenty big but doesn't quite match the quality or style present the BMW.
