With its commanding ride height, cutting-edge technology, and plush comfort, the BMW X7 has the features shoppers expect from a full-size luxury SUV, plus a sporty demeanor. Its three-row interior is filled with high-quality materials and safety aids, and the driver-focused cockpit centers around dual 12.3-inch displays. Underfoot are all-wheel-drive and an air suspension. Available high-performance engines offer outstanding driving performance.
Pros: Tranquil and ultra-luxurious cabin; Performance trims are fun to drive; Advanced driver technology comes included
Cons: Less interior legroom than competitors; Small cargo capacity with seats in place
The X7 is one of the sportiest full-size SUVs available, thanks in no small part to its engine choices. The xDrive40i is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Like the other engines, it connects to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. A mild-hybrid system with regenerative braking helps improve fuel efficiency, and the EPA estimates 21 mpg in mixed driving. BMW pegs 0-60 mph acceleration at a swift 5.8 seconds.
The M50i is much quicker, with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. Along with a bevy of other driving technologies, the M trim hustles to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, which is faster than many sports cars. It gets an estimated 17 mpg combined.
BMW recently introduced an Alpina XB7 trim, which has its own 612-horsepower twin-turbo V8 that generates 590 pound-feet of torque. The transmission and several other components have been upgraded or specially adjusted, giving it a 0-60 time of four seconds flat. Active steering and a sport suspension give it more agile handling. Despite its additional performance, the Alpina gets about the same gas mileage as the M50i.
The X7 is the largest BMW ever built, with seating for seven people. It’s available in three sporty and luxurious trim levels: xDrive40i, M50i, and Alpina XB7. All trims come standard with driver safety technology like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Some trims offer adaptive cruise control, a heads-up display, and a surround-view camera.
Pricing for the xDrive40i begins around $75,000. Notable standard features include a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, selectable driving modes, paddle shifters, a self-leveling air suspension, all-wheel-drive, Hill Descent Control, power-folding heated side mirrors, Satin Aluminum roof rails, a power tailgate, and adaptive LED headlights. The cabin has leatherette upholstery, high-gloss wood trim, a velour-carpeted cargo area, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, BMW TeleServices, a 10-speaker HiFi audio system, satellite radio, a digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, four-zone climate control, an automatic panoramic moonroof, active-charcoal micro-filter ventilation, and a remote engine starter.
For around $100,000, shoppers can splurge on the M50i. It adds a twin-turbo V8 engine, an adaptive air suspension, larger brakes, a limited-slip differential, 22-inch wheels with performance tires, sporty exterior accents, and automatic parking assistance. Inside, there is leather upholstery, an Alcantara headliner, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, a drive recorder, a full-color head-up display, 20-way multi-contour front seats, soft-close doors, heated armrests, and a heated M Sport steering wheel.
The top-of-the-line Alpina XB7 is for the ultimate driving enthusiast. Starting around $141,500, the XB7 features a unique twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a specially-tuned transmission, a sport suspension, active steering, Alpina 21-inch wheels, a quad-exhaust system, body aprons and diffusers, extended Merino leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a hand-finished leather steering wheel, illuminated Alpina door sills, and glass console controls.
