From the moment you step inside the BMW X7, the bar is set sky high. The waft of vintage-look leather contrasts with a futuristic BMW Curved Display that measures 27 inches in diameter and boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You sit down in the Comfort Seats, take in the sounds from the harman/kardon 16-speaker surround sound system, and realise you haven’t even turned the car on yet.
It sounds like a sensory experience, but in true German fashion, it’s a technical one too. The whisper-quiet six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the BMW X7 xDrive40d could convince you it’s an EV, but the 1150km range till empty on the screen in front of me says otherwise.
Frugal, but with a maximum output of 259kW and 720Nm when combined with the 48-volt mild hybrid system it’s no slouch either. Looking to buy a luxury SUV for your family? The BMW X7 is a popular choice, so let’s take a closer look.
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What Does the BMW X7 Cost?
Unveiled in April 2022, the new BMW X7 is one of the newest luxury SUVs on sale in Australia today. It’s available in three model grades, with prices starting from $166,900 plus on-road costs for the xDrive40d I’m reviewing in this article.
- BMW X7 xDrive40d – from AU$166,900 plus on-road costs.
- BMW X7 xDrive40i – from AU$167,900 plus on-road costs.
- BMW X7 M60i xDrive – from AU$197,900 plus on-road costs.
Updates over the previous model include a new ‘visually impactful’ front end, M Sport version, light-alloy wheels measuring up to 23 inches and the latest generation BMW iDrive control and operation system including the BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8.
However, there’s also a handful of additional standard equipment, including additional driver assistance features and the latest 48-volt mild hybrid technology.
What’s the Interior Like on the BMW X7?
The first thing you’ll notice when you step inside the new BMW X7 is the BMW OS 8 which integrates with the BMW Curved Display made up of a 12.3-inch driver’s display and 14.9-inch infotainment unit. The larger screen projects Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly in a full-screen configuration. While the sound is provided by a harman/kardon 16-speaker surround sound system that sounds particularly scrumptious.
Look behind you and you’ll find an optional six-seat (2+2+2) configuration with a second row that features two captain’s chairs, fitted with independent armrests. If you can find a better luxury limousine to take your kids to school in – or your old folks out to dinner, in my case – then I’d be surprised. The Lexus LX600 I tested recently is probably the only competition in this space, but it’s well down on ride comfort and technology compared to this BMW.
Rear passengers also get automatic air conditioning (five-zone climate control), a floor-mounted cupholder section positioned between the seats for drink storage alongside two USB-C ports and one 12-volt outlet for charging phones. My only regret is not spending more time in the back of the car! It’s luxe.
I thought there was something off when the display in front of me read 1150km of diesel until empty, but it turns out the X7 xDrive40d has incredible fuel economy and range from its 80-litre tank which is seriously impressive.
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How Does the BMW X7 Drive?
The focus might be on the interior, but that hasn’t left the staple BMW driving experience out of the equation. Power is supplied by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine producing 259kW of power and 720Nm with a 48-volt mild hybrid system before it’s sent to the wheels via. an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission including shift paddles.
BMW claims the X7 xDrive40d can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds which is very impressive for an SUV that weighs nearly 2.5 tonnes.
The feeling isn’t lost through the chassis either with steering and ride comfort being a highlight. You’d be shocked at how well the BMW X7 corners with adaptive two-axle air suspension fitted as standard. It works in conjunction with electronically controlled dampers to deliver some of the best ride and handling I’ve experienced in the segment at this price point.
Should You Buy a BMW X7?
Looking to buy a new BMW X7? You can choose from either the M Sport grade or Design Pure Excellence styling packages depending on your taste.
M Sport package includes:
- M front and rear apron design
- M high-gloss Shadow Line, including roof rails, window décor and lower body accents
- M Sport brakes with callipers in blue
- M 22-inch light alloy wheels Double Spoke style 913 M Bi-colour
- M Sport leather steering wheel
- Fine wood trim, ‘Fineline Black’ with metal effect, high-gloss
- M specific pedal assembly
- Access to M-specific exterior paint finishes
Design Pure Excellence package includes:
- Satinated roof rails and window décor
- Exterior highlight trims in Pearl Chrome
- Underride guard in silver
- 22-inch light alloy wheels Multi-Spoke style 757 Bi-colour, Ferric Grey
- Sports leather steering wheel
- Fine wood trim, ‘Fineline Stripe’ brown, high-gloss
After choosing, you can then go to town with options on the new BMW X7, including the Connoisseur Suite which costs $10,000 and includes such features as a panorama glass roof, privacy glass, gesture control, “Iconic Glow” illuminated BMW kidney grille, active seat ventilation and massages in the front row, and temperate cup holders.
However, the SUV now comes with so many standard features there’s no option that I’d be itching to get my hands on.
It’s not often that I jump inside a new SUV and I’m instantly surprised by just how well-rounded it is. The last time I was left this surprised was by the ride comfort in the new Range Rover Sport, but that car costs over $200,000 in the spec I tested, so not the fairest comparison to a BMW that costs nearly $40,000 less.
Most buyers of the BMW X7 won’t appreciate the chassis dynamics or steering weight and feel, because they’re simply chauffering the kids to school.
However, it’s when you drive this car back to back with the competition from Mercedes and Audi that the X7 really stands out. It has the technology, the badge, the ride comfort, and the expensive looks, but so does the competition. What they don’t have is the BMW driving experience.
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