2023 & 2024 BMW X7 - Exclusive Ashburn New Car Discounts

The 2022 BMW X7 is a three-row SUV that offers substantial underhood power and a luxurious cabin.

This year, BMW makes only small tweaks to the X7?s optional equipment list, including deletion of a formerly available wireless device charging pad.

The X7 comes in three forms: xDrive40i with its turbo-6, M40i with a stiffer suspension and a twin-turbo V-8, and Alpina XB7 that leverages the German tuning arm for more power, style, and luxury. Regardless of what?s underhood, look for astounding poise given how large this SUV is.

Considering its heft, the X7 isn?t too bad with fuel. The base version is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, 21 combined. Both V-8 versions check in at 15/21/17 mpg.

Though neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have crash tested it yet, the X7 wants for little in terms of driver-assistance tech. Standard fare includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, parking sensors, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control, while automatic parking system, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a driver assist package that permits brief stints of hands-free driving are optional.

Model Lineup

BMW offers the X7 with three different powertrains, each of which constitutes its own place in the lineup.

The base $75,895 xDrive40i has three-row seating, 21-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, wood trim, remote start, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Tech-wise, look for 12.3-inch displays for the gauges and the infotainment system; the central touchscreen makes use of BMW?s iDrive software and includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

From there, the $100,795 X7 M50i throws in the twin-turbo V-8 plus sport styling inside and out and a beefed-up suspension.

If that?s not enough for you, the Alpina XB7 boasts 612 hp plus a full leather interior, a head-up display, glass control knobs, and virtually every option available on other X7 models. It crests $142,000 to start.

Exterior

BMW?s biggest SUV makes a strong statement with its ribbed twin-kidney grille, long nose, and broad hood. The front fascia?s lower grille is flanked by big fog lights and C-shaped air intakes, which lend a sporty look.

Comparatively, the rear end is almost conventional, although the LED taillights cast a high-tech look. X7 M50i models discard brightwork in favor of blacked-out trim, while the XB7 has a busier body kit.

Wheel-wise, the X7 can go as high as 23-inches (not to mention 20 spokes) in Alpina XB7 guise.

Interior

Inside, the X7 can be a masterpiece if you?re careful with trim selections. The dash features twin large screens and organized switches that angle slightly toward the driver. Broad swathes of wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber trim run down the center console and across the dash. BMW fits the X7 with a deep center console with optional heated and cooled cupholders.

Front-seat occupants have supportive, multi-adjustable thrones with heating; cooling and massage are optional. Leatherette is standard, while several grades of real hides are available.

The three-seat bench in the middle row is wide enough to seat three large adults. A two-seat option with heated captain?s chairs and a center console gives the X7 executive-express vibes thanks to a healthy 37.6 inches of second-row leg room. Those power-sliding second-row seats give way to a third row that can handle two adults in reasonable comfort. They can power-fold out of the way to expand the 11.5 cubic feet of space behind row three to 48.6 cubic feet behind row two. With row two down, the X7 can handle about 90 cubic feet of cargo.

Driving Impressions

With the 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 found in the xDrive40i, drivers will find 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque teamed to a swift-shifting paddle-controlled 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. That?s a solid combination on its own, good for a 0-60 mph sprint below six seconds.

The M50i?s 4.4-liter turbo V-8 puts out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which trims more than a second off of the 60 mph run, while the XB7 is absolutely monstrous with its 612-hp version of the V-8.

Properly configured, the X7 can tow up to 7,500 pounds.

The standard air suspension soothes with a calm ride and substantial grip no matter what the driving situation. While there?s no disguising the X7?s mass with the way it leans into corners, switching its drive-mode controller into Sport mode buttons things down for jaunts down a winding road.

Final Word

The BMW X7 is a masterful three-row luxury SUV with fantastic power underhood and plenty of tech.

 

?by Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection