The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- High-tech cabin
- Plenty of power
- Good handling
- Big interior space
- So many available features
Dislikes
- Mega pricetag
- Tech learning curve
- Small-ish cargo area
- Unique looks not for everyone
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2024 BMW X7’s big cabin and great acceleration make it a worthy choice for families seeking out a fun-to-drive three-row crossover SUV.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 BMW X7? What does it compare to?
With three rows of seats, blocky styling, and lots of power, the BMW X7 squares off against the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the Audi Q7, and the Volvo XC90.
Is the 2024 BMW X7 a good SUV?
The 2024 BMW X7 scores a 7.4 on the TCC scale thanks to its thrilling performance and decadent cabin. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 BMW X7?
The X7 sees few tweaks for 2024 after a substantial update last year.
The 2023 model’s revamped front end with its huge BMW kidney grille and bisected headlights carries over. Those elements come courtesy BMW’s 7-Series sedan, but we think they work better here given the extra sheet metal real estate BMW had to work with.
It’s inside where the X7 is at its best, with a single pane of curved glass behind which sits a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. Plenty of interior and exterior trim hues ensure that your X7 needn’t look like your neighbor’s X7, too.
All models use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to improve fuel economy and response. The xDrive40i version’s 375-hp 3.0-liter inline-5 provides plenty of grunt. The M60i ups the ante with a 523-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, good for a 4.5-second sprint to 60 mph.
Each X7 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission to shuffle power to all four wheels. A standard air suspension and adaptive dampers give a composed, quality ride. For a 6,000-pound vehicle (with passengers aboard), the X7 can hustle pretty well.
It’s best thought of as a luxury express train, though. The cavernous interior features stretch-out space for outboard occupants in rows one and two. The third row can handle adults for shorter stints, too. Not a single material feels cheap here.
The X7’s automatic emergency braking system can detect oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians, while an option package unlocks tech enabling hands-free driving for extended sprints at highway speeds.
How much does the 2024 BMW X7 cost?
At $82,895 to start, the 2024 X7 comes loaded up with a split power tailgate, heated and power-adjustable front seats and armrests, and those big screens. It lacks leather, which seems a bit petty to us.
The more powerful and more buttoned- down X7 M60i runs about $17,000 more.
Where is the 2024 BMW X7 made?
In Spartanburg, South Carolina.
2024 BMW X7 Styling
The 2024 BMW X7 makes a distinct first impression outside.
Is the BMW X7 a good-looking car?
Bold outside and sophisticated inside, the 2024 X7 cuts quite a profile. Updates last year gave it the latest version of BMW’s upsized kidney grille, which works better here than on smaller models. Its angular lines are worth a point above average, while the slick, refined cabin nets another. The 2024 X7 is a 7 on our scale.
The long nose and wide hood give the X7 a properly huge appearance. LED headlights up front bisected by color-matched trim are distinctive, if not exactly balanced style. The X7’s huge wheel wells can accommodate rolling stock as big as 23 inches.
2024 BMW X7 Performance
More graceful than its heft might suggest, the 2024 BMW X7 is a balanced full-size SUV.
The 2024 BMW X7 is more fleet of foot than you might think. Its deft handling and prodigious power earn it a 7 on the TCC scale.
Is the BMW X7 4WD?
Yes, but don’t go too far off-road. The 2024 X7 comes standard with all-wheel drive. Its self-leveling air suspension gives it a comfortable, smooth ride, even over rough terrain, but it’s far from a rock crawler.
How fast is the BMW X7?
Hold on tight. Even the base X7’s 375-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 delivers a 0-60 mph sprint in less than six seconds. It’s rapid from any speed, so much so that we have a hard time recommending the step-up version.
The battery-electric mild-hybrid system aids in low-speed torque and it helps reduce engine load in cruising situations. Not only that, but the base X7 boasts uncanny smoothness. It’s a proper flagship powertrain, even if you’ll need two more cylinders to top this lineup.
The M50i makes use of a 4.4-liter V-8 with twin turbos for a hearty 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Mere mortals hardly need this kind of power, but those who find the upcharge worthwhile will discover a 0-60 mph run of just 4.4 seconds. That’s quick for any vehicle, let alone one that weighs north of 6,000 pounds once you’ve filled its tank and bucked up. Instantaneous response is accompanied by a snarl from underhood—and through the speakers.
The range-topping—and ultra-rare—Alpina XB7 ups the ante to 631 hp and 590 lb-ft. We’ve yet to drive this version, but BMW promises a sub-four-second run to 60 mph, which makes it as quick as yesterday’s supercars.
All models ride and handle wonderfully, though forgoing the biggest wheel options means a smoother ride. Opt for the X50i’s rear-axle steering and you’ll find a more planted feel at speed and when hustled into a corner. Adaptive dampers are worth the coin where available, especially if you want to up the wheel-size ante.
Base xDrive40i versions can lug a 5,400-pound trailer. That rating balloons to 7,500 pounds with the V-8.
2024 BMW X7 Comfort & Quality
The 2024 BMW X7 is fitted with a glorious cabin in line with its hefty price tag.
If you want a decadent interior with room for five or more, the BMW X7 has you covered. We rate it a solid 10 thanks to its comfy room in rows one and two, its big cargo area, and its downright luxurious feel and appearance.
The X7 is big even by luxury SUV standards, with stretch-out space in rows one and two and room for a pair of adults to squeeze into the third row for shorter around-town stints. The front seats offer 16-way power adjustment even in the cheapest form. Softer leather, cooling, and massaging await your extra spend on the options list.
Row two opens up nearly 38 inches of legroom, with a choice between a three-seat bench or twin buckets. Even the third row can handle two adults.
The cargo area balloons from just 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row to nearly 49 cubes aft of row two. It tops out around 90 cubes with the second row flopped down. We love the split tailgate arrangement, which allows for a bench ideal for tailgating or a plenty-big opening for hauling big items.
Materials are top-notch throughout, rivaling ultra-luxe vehicles costing twice this much once you have added the softest leather and toniest wood trim options.
2024 BMW X7 Safety
The 2024 BMW X7 has yet to be crash-tested, but its feature set is promising.
How safe is the BMW X7?
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crashed a BMW X7, so we have to hold back from assigning a crash-test score. That said, plentiful standard tech and an option package that offers limited hands-off driving will work in its favor if and when it’s ever tested.
All models come with blind-spot monitors, adaptive LED headlights, and automatic emergency braking. The optional driver-assistance package includes hands-off driving for short stints on select roads at up to 85 mph. (We’re looking at you, State Highway 130 near Austin, Texas.)
Outward vision is good thanks to relatively narrow roof pillars.
2024 BMW X7 Features
The BMW X7’s feature set is in line with its hefty price tag.
The 2024 BMW X7 costs a lot. It also comes with a lot. We rate it at 9 out of 10 thanks to impressive standard tech, plentiful options, a stellar infotainment system, and a great warranty.
Base X7 xDrive40i versions cost $82,895 to start, which nets seating in three rows, big 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and synthetic leather seats that are heated and 16-way power-adjustable up front.
All those features are backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
Which BMW X7 should I buy?
The base model isn’t too bad. To it, we’d add real leather ($1,950), parking sensors and a surround-view camera system ($900), the Driving Assistance Professional Package with its ability to keep your hands off the steering wheel on the highway ($2,100), cooled front and heated rear seats ($1,600), and perhaps a few minor items such as a spare tire to help keep the price just south of $90,000.
How much is a fully loaded BMW X7?
BMW wants $150,395 for its Alpina XB7, to which shoppers can add another $10,000 in optional extras. A Maybach it is not, but the XB7 comes with leather just about everywhere, glass interior controls, and a head-up display.
2024 BMW X7 Fuel Economy
The 2024 BMW X7 is relatively frugal for such a big, heavy, and luxurious SUV.
Is the BMW X7 good on gas?
In the grand scheme of things, it’s not great. But against other luxury SUVs, the 2024 X7’s most efficient version is the base xDrive40i, which is estimated at 21 mpg city, 25 highway, 22 combined per the EPA test. That’s a 2 on our scale.
The M60i rates just 18 mpg combined, while the XB7 checks in at 17 mpg combined.
