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Overview
BMW's long-anticipated X7 three-row crossover is finally here, and based on our drive, it was worth the wait. This large SUV can be outfitted with either a three-seat bench or a pair of captain's chairs in the second row; we found the third row to be comfortable for more than just short trips across town.
Engines, Ride, and Handling
A pair of turbocharged engines—a 335-hp 3.0-liter straight-six and a twin-turbo 456-hp 4.4-liter V-8—are both teamed with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive; a four-corner air suspension is standard. In our recent test drive, we found the straight-six to be torquey and quiet but the V-8 was more charming and its acceleration was more urgent. An air suspension with adaptive damping provides a smooth ride in Comfort mode. The selectable Sport mode tightens things up slightly; sharp impacts manage to intrude on the interior's otherwise placid calm due to the 21-inch wheels. A special off-road package is available and adds an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, off-road driving modes, and a front skidplate to protect the bottom of the engine. The 2020 BMW X7 lineup adds a new M50i model that has a more powerful V-8 engine and unique exterior upgrades.
Interior and Technology
Borrowing partially from the smaller X5 SUV and partially from the upscale 7-series sedan, the X7's rich interior is well-appointed, tech-packed, and spacious. A digital gauge display and a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen dominate the dashboard. Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker audio system, integrated navigation, onboard Wi-Fi, and a wireless smartphone-charging pad are all standard. Plenty of luxury features can be found inside as well, including heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and 12-color interior ambient lighting. Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert are provided on all X7 models.
