Summary
When it comes to moving wealthy families, no BMW does better than the X7, the brand’s luxury three-row SUV. While the cargo area and rear seats are not as large as rivals such as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and the Mercedes-Benz GLS class, the Bimmer offers a better driving experience as well as an impressive selection of engines. It ranges from a 375-hp turbo-six to a 523-hp twin-turbo V-8, with the latter producing 630 horses in the highest-end, maximum-performance Alpina XB7 class. All models feature all-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension system that supports the ride like a pillow. The interior of the X7 2023 is subdued, but it’s also packed with high-end materials and modern technology like the giant curved glass display on the dashboard. These features, combined with the X7’s towing capabilities and a standard suite of active safety technologies, make the biggest BMW some of 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 includes more standard features and new driver assistance technologies. For the first time, BMW will also offer a set of 23-inch wheels. The X7 also benefits from an updated powertrain. The turbocharged six-cylinder xDrive40i now produces 375 horsepower (up 40) and up to 398 pound-feet of torque (up 67). The V-8’s model name changed from M50i to M60i, and a new 4.4-liter and 48-volt twin-turbo hybrid system is claimed to form a more efficient duo. The top-of-the-range Alpina XB7 has an even more powerful setup than the M60i producing 630 horsepower–18 more than before.
Price and Which One to Buy
Even with our fondness for the V-8’s twin-turbo horsepower and noteworthy performance, we recommend the X7 xDrive40i. It has the desired standard features which include four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated front seats, power tailgate and more. We’ve also added a selection of Vernasca leather upholstery and a Premium package that includes a head-up display, motion controls and soft-close doors.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The entry-level X7 xDrive40i is powered by a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six, 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 develops 630 horsepower. All three engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Each X7 uses air suspension with adaptive damping, and the chassis can be further upgraded with available rear axle steering and active anti-roll bars that reduce body movement. Both features are standard on the M60i, which has a sportier suspension setup by default. The smallest wheel on the X7 is 21 inches in diameter, but BMW is now also offering 23 inches for the first time. On our test track, the vibrant-looking M60i model managed to reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. The V-8 engine gives off a hearty blast under heavy throttle, too. Handling is surprisingly supple for a large SUV and the X7’s steering is accurate and well weighted. We haven’t put the xDrive40i model through our instrument test yet, but we did spend 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 upscale experience.
Real World Fuel and MPG Savings
The X7 2023 is most efficient when equipped with a standard inline-six. That xDrive40i model received an EPA rating of 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Going with the V-8 powered M60i model will mean more pumping, as the model is rated for 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. On our 75 mph highway fuel economy route, which was part of our extensive test suite, the M60i we tested surprised us with a 23 mpg result. For more information on the X7’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Inside, the X7’s dashboard is dominated by a massive, slightly curved digital display. The panel offers a 12.3-inch gauge cluster for the driver and a 14.9-inch touchscreen operated by the infotainment system. Many luxury features can also be found inside, including heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable steering wheel and ambient interior lighting. However, we were irritated by how slowly the electric-operated second-row captain’s seats moved when trying to let people in and out of the third row. Similarly, back road seats are not very roomy for adults during long drives. Still, no one is going to complain about the cubby X7’s ample storage. Although we only managed to fit three hand luggage behind the third row, we loaded a total of 33 luggage with all rear seats stowed.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The X7’s infotainment system – featuring the latest iDrive 8 software – primarily operates via a 14.9-inch touchscreen housed in a curved glass panel above the dash. The system can also be operated with the large rotary knob on the center console as well as via gesture controls which are more gimmicky than useful. Along with a Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required), each X7 is available with a BMW Digital Key which allows users to remotely control vehicle functions via a smartphone app. More powerful Harman/Kardon stereo and wireless charging are optional features.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Each X7 includes the standard assortment of 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 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alerts
- 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
- The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Free maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specification
Specification
BMW X7 M60i 2023
Vehicle Type: front engine, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Basic/As Tested: $104,095/$122,545
Options: Frozen Marina Bay Blue Metallic Paint, $5500; Bowers & Wilkins audio system, $3400; full black Merino leather seats, $2700; Executive package (control glass, heated and cooled cupholders, front massage chair, LED roof Panoramic Sky Lounge), $2100; Driving Assistance Pro package (adaptive cruise control, active lane-keep assist, steering and traffic-jam assistant, automatic lane change, evasion assist and front cross-traffic alert), $1700; Climate Comfort Package (five-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats), $1600; second row captain seats, $850; M Sport Pro package (extended Shadowline trim, M Sport brakes with blue calipers), $300; carbon fiber trim, $300
MACHINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 268 inches34395 cm3
Power: 523 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8 speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.6-inch vented disc/15.7-inch vented disc
Tyres: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Run Flat
F: 275/40R-22 107Y Extra Payload ★ KS
R: 315/35R-22 111Y Extra Payload ★ KS
SIZE
Wheelbase: 122.2 inches
Length: 203.6 inches
Width: 78.7 inches
Height: 72.2 inches
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 58/50/34 ft3
Cargo Volume: 12 feet3
Restraint Weight: 5838 lb
CD TEST RESULTS
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 result removes 1 foot launch from 0.2 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 155 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 316 ft
Road hold, 300 ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
CD FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
Driving on the Freeway 75 mph: 23 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 500 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18/16/21 mpg
CD TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specifications