Overview 2023 BMW X7

When it comes to transporting an affluent family, there’s no better
BMW than the X7, the brand’s luxurious three-row SUV. While its cargo area and
rear seats aren’t as spacious as rivals like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the Bimmer boasts better-driving manners as well as an
impressive choice of engines. They range from a 375-hp turbo-six to a 523-hp
twin-turbo V-8, the latter making 630 horses on the top-of-the-range,
maximum-performance Alpina XB7.

 All models come with 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 advanced
technology like the dash’s large curved glass display. Those features, combined
with the X7’s towing capability and standard active safety tech, make the
biggest BMW one of the best.

What is new for the 2023
BMW X7?

The 2023 X7 receives a mid-cycle refresh that includes a larger
digital display and BMW’s latest infotainment system with a more expressive
front end and a new dashboard design. The largest BMW 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 benefits from updated
powertrains as well. 

The xDrive40i’s turbocharged six-cylinder now makes 375
horsepower (up from 40) and 398 pound-feet of torque (up from 67). The V-8
model name changes from the M50i to the M60i, and its new twin-turbo 4.4-liter
and 48-volt hybrid system are claimed to make for a more efficient pairing. The
range-topping Alpina XB7 has an even more powerful setup than the M60i that
makes 630 horsepower – 18 more than before.

Pricing and Which One to
Buy

Starting at $78,845

Even with our penchant for the twin-turbo V-8’s horsepower and remarkable
efficiency, we’d recommend the X7 xDrive40i. It comes with requisite standard
features including four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated front seats, a power tailgate, and more. We’ll also add a choice of Vernasca leather upholstery 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 375-hp turbocharged
inline six-cylinder, and the M60i has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 making 523
horses. The Alpina XB7 features a specially tuned version of that V-8, which
produces 630 horsepower.3 engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic and
all-wheel drive. On our test track, the sharp-looking M60i model managed to hit
60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, but the xDrive40i wasn’t far behind, hitting the
same speed in just 4.6 seconds. Every X7 rides on an air suspension with
adaptive dampers, and the chassis can be further enhanced with available
rear-axle steering and active anti-roll bars that reduce body motions. Both
features are standard on the M60i, which comes with a sportier suspension setup
by default. Handling is surprisingly lithe for a large SUV and the X7’s
steering is accurate and well weighted. The smallest wheel diameter on the X7
is 21 inches, but BMW now offers 23 inches for the first time. On larger
rollers, though, the X7’s ride quality suffers.

Interior, Comfort, and
Cargo

Inside, the X7’s dashboard is dominated by a large digital display
that curves slightly. The panel features a 12.3-inch gauge cluster for the
driver and a 14.9-inch touchscreen that operates the infotainment system. A
number of 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 annoyed to see how slowly the
power-operated, second-row captain’s chair moved when people tried to get in
and out of the third row. Likewise, the way back seats aren’t particularly empty
for adults during long drives. Still, no one is going to complain about the
X7’s ample internal cube storage. While we only managed to fit three carry-on
suitcases behind the third row, we’re 33 feet in total with the rear seats up.

Fuel economy and
real-world MPG

The 2023 X7 is most efficient when equipped with the standard
inline-six. This xDrive40i model earned an EPA rating of 21 mpg city and 25 mpg
highway. Going with the V-8-powered M60i model will mean hitting the pump more
often, as that model is rated for 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. During our
comprehensive testing, the M60i we reviewed kept us off guard on our 75-mph
highway fuel economy route, returning an impressive 23 mpg. 

For additional
details on the fuel efficiency of the X7, you can refer to the EPA website.