This has been a long time coming. A three-row, seven-passenger SUV at the top of BMW’s SUV food chain is something that the brand has needed for some time now. With a few of its competitors having their own cars in the full-size luxury SUV segment, BMW was left out in the cold for a long time. Now, though, Bavaria has its own massive luxo-ute, something to contend with the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Range Rover — the BMW X7.
To be more specific, the X7 is BMW’s largest “SAV”, which stands for “Sports Activity Vehicle” in BMW-speak. Semantics aside, the BMW X7 is the first of its kind and the brand’s first, true three-passenger SUV. And it’s big. Like, really big. Standing at 5,151 millimeters (16.8 ft) in length, 2,000 millimeters (6.5 ft) wide and 1,805 millimeters (5.9 ft) tall, and with a wheelbase of 3,105 (10 ft) millimeters. So it’s basically a metal mammoth with some BMW badges.
What’s interesting is that it looks, in our opinion, better than the Concept that preceded it. The BMW X7 Concept was pretty universally panned by enthusiasts, who felt it was too big, too over-styled and too obnoxious looking. However, the production version looks a lot better. It’s smoother, more elegant and more sophisticated. Yes, its grilles are large enough to inhale any sort of small-to-medium-sized rodent that might cross the road, far before you could run it over. Think of that as a safety feature, lest you damage your bumper or soil you expensive tires. Even still, it’s a handsome and stately thing. It actually surprised me, when I first saw it, how much I liked it.
Is it perfect? No. Its 7 Series-style hockey sticks on the side are larger than ever before and look a bit silly and its headlights, while fine looking, are a bit too slim which make it look like its squinting. Overall, though, it’s a handsome brute, with a stately stance and good proportions. It looks like a big, luxurious family hauler because it is one. I especially like the back end of it, which just looks right. Not too much fuss but not too boring, either. Just right.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
On the inside, it looks very handsome and very sophisticated, even if it isn’t too different from its less expensive sibling, the BMW X5. If you’ve seen the new X5, the design is largely familiar, save for the three rows of seats and (optional) second-row captain chairs, obviously. Though materials are obviously a bit nicer and it’s, well, bigger. What’s nice, though, is that the center stack is still slanted toward the driver, like a proper BMW’s should.
In the press photos we see this BMW X7 sporting a new, two-tone color scheme, in a sort of cream and and blue. It’s a different look for a modern BMW but it looks interesting and luxurious. The matching blue Alcantara headliner looks the business, though.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The third row also seems to accommodate adults, with some decent looking head and leg room. Hell, it even sports its own climate controls with metal switchgear, which is a very nice touch. In fact, all of the switchgear in the car seems to be metal, even the switches to fold the second-row seats down to let the third-row passengers out. Like John Hammond, BMW has seemingly spared no expense.
Powering the BMW X7 will be a suite of engines. For America, there will only be two X7 variants and powertrains; the BMW X7 xDrive40i, which will pack BMW’s famous B58 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-six, making 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque and getting from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds; and a BMW X7 xDrive50i, which will pack a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8, making 456 hp and 479 lb-ft while hitting 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
Europe will get those engines as well but will also get two new diesel options; the BMW X7 xDrive30d, which will get a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 diesel engine that makes 256 hp; and a BMW X7 M50d, which will get a quad-turbocharged I6 diesel making 400 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque.
All X7s are equipped with an eight-speed auto transmission, sending power to all four corners, which are cushioned by an adaptive air suspension system.
All engines are paired with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive as-standard, as their names imply. And BMW seems adamant that the X7 can handle itself, moderately, on some rough terrain. With four new driving modes – xSand, xGravel, xRocks and xSnow (did they have to put ‘x’ in front of all of them?) — and an optional off-road package that brings a front skid-plate to protect its radiator and oil pan, the BMW X7 can handle itself if the road gets muddy. Basically, if you’re trying to get to your cabin in Lake George and the road gets a bit sloshy, you’ll be fine.
In fairness, we did test pre-production models in South Carolina, in the woods, in the mud, and the X7 held up admirably. It’s no Range Rover but it won’t fall to pieces if you have to traverse a rough dirt road.
DESIGN SKETCHES
All X7s models receive a two-axle air suspension that automatically adjusts its height based on road conditions. Drivers can also adjust the position manually with the push of a button, up to 1.6 inches above the standard setting. A Dynamic Handling package is available with M Sport brakes, integral active steering, and on 50i models, the M Sport rear differential.
The list of options is equally impressive. Or massive – four-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotpot, head-up display, soft-close automatic doors, panoramic sky lounge LED roof, heated and cooled cupholders, and a rear entertainment package with a pair of 10.2-inch touchscreen displays and DVD player. The optional glass application for the gear shift lever, stop/start button, infotainment system controller, and volume knob, takes the interior quality to a new level.
Just like the new G20 3 Series, the Siri-like voice-command system that responds to the prompt “Hey BMW” is part of the X7’s offerings.
Standard wheels measure 21 inches in diameter. The optional 22 inches are paired with staggered tires—275/40s up front, 315/35s in the rear. Weighing in at 5m370 lbs for the six-cylinder xDrive 40i model and 5617 lbs for the V8-powered xDrive 50i, the X7 is the heaviest car BMW makes.
Mainly, though, the BMW X7 is designed to be the massive, uber luxurious, seven-passenger SUV for the upper-class families that want luxury but need space. Honestly, it fits that bill perfectly. It looks the part, being both imposing and sophisticated, it has a superbly finished and hugely capacious interior and all of the performance and handling chops anyone could ever ask of such a large vehicle. Mercedes-Benz has been dominating this segment for some time now but the newcomer from Bavarian seems to have what it takes to tackle the Stuttgart-staple head-on.
Customers can pre-order the X7 online. Pre-ordering begins this month, and those who go through the process will receive priority vehicle production. Prices begin at $74,895 for the 40i and $93,595 for the 50i.
cant afford this
Ok but why the same interior as x5. When you pay so much you want to have something special
You pay so much because it’s so much car.
No not the interior! Compare the interior with x5, identical. X7 represents their flagship SUV, then you want something different and extraordinary. Dont get me wrong, I like the new interior design but they need to differentiate more. And i dont care if Audi or Mercedes is doing the same I only care about BMW.
BMW Individual leaves that up to you.
the interior looks better than the x5 better materials and leather options
You get a real third row seat.
Déjà vu. Copy, enlarge, paste.
They’ve actually done a good job differentiating X7 from smaller models, there will be no mistaking them on the road.
Looking smart, much better than the concept to me
Oh God, those kidney grills look more like our fat American asses. Why do they do this to us?
Another gluttonous fuel sucking barge for the gluttonous human society. I will stick to my 2 Series.
Given volume, 2 Series fleet will be the gluttonous fuel sucking barges compared to comparatively rare X7. Like bragging about green coal fed BEV.
Not for me, danke schõn. That interior is very mid-century, though.
wOW love it interior looks stunning, and the front has FVL vibes to it good job bmw
bmw did the ambient lighting right on this car flows right across the dash, not sure why they cut it in half on the 3 series.. doesnt make sense
Same reason no side air breathers. They want to remind you it’s a cheaper model.
o i see
I wonder why the big V8 of the X5 and the X7 are limited to a 130 miles per hour? Could they not find an adequate tire for those speeds.?
It is probably a stupid speed with vehicles that are that high anyway.
It looks like a lifted station wagon. The interior is simply gorgeous in that color combo. I think they have a winner here especially with that wood. I don’t care for the massive grills but it works here.
Why same interior across the all product line, didnt they learn something from S class…will sell probably as SUV mania continues but could have done better job on this…
Looks ok to actually not bad. Does a good job hiding its size, at least on these pictures. Has in reality probably the same effect as the GLS – you see it standing around next to “normal” cars and think “that’s f**** huge!”.
Would I buy it? As a European guy: in Europe – no, just too big, especially for trips to Southern Europe. In the U.S. – maybe, but would still prefer something American, like a Navigator.
In the metal it’s huge, taller than me, over 6ft. with roof rack.
The front fascia is as ugly as anything that Lexus currently has to offer… Bleah.
BMW kidneys>Lexus snowplows.
I love the front it’s big and handsome
I did say, at the launch of the X7 concept, that the production car will look a lot better. Glad I was right. This car is mighty nice!
Just one word….Handsome …. another hit …Well Done BMW
While the concept teasers did fantastic job in preparing us for the worst, about the exterior, that is about to come, the biggest disappointment for me is the interiors.
They are too close to X5’s and as with most recent BMW interiors, they fail to convey any sense of luxury. This doesn’t bode well for an SUV that is supposed to be the flagship.
I still don’t like the execution of the kidney’s but the rest looks pretty good.
I think 🤔 they should have made the interior center all with touchscreen cause that looks like the new 3 series interior and this is a very upmarket SAV so spare no expense but other then that I fucking like the car very very dope 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Pretty well done.. Those who bitch can opt for X5 and stop bitching, if they still whine, they can go for X3, and if they still think it’s too huge, then they can still go for X1.. BMW did a great job on the X line, I can’t find anything to dislike, they are well equipped, looks mean, feels sporty just like a Bimmer, equipments are top notch, interiors are very high grade across all models. Well done
Man it’s massive. But I really like it. IMO better-looking than the new X5. Ok, those front kidneys look a bit too massive and ridiculous, but they actually suit the X7. It looks so expensive and elegant. But it’s the interior that I love the most. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Aluminium buttons, posh wood and beautiful leather. Next 7 Series better look like that on the inside. Overall, I really like the new X7. Great car BMW!
Checking out the comments in this and other sites so far, it seems that the majority likes the exterior design including the front end. So my opinion that this new kidney grille is a disastrous monstrosity doesn’t really matter and X7 will sell good in its target market. Probably this has something to do with different perceptions about aesthetics in Europe and America and this is actually a totally American model. Compare this rude rectangular cast-iron radiator grille with the fine lines and beautiful industrial design such as latest Mazda concepts or Alfa, it looks just plain wrong.
You nailed it. This is clearly an American car. Same as Americans don’t like tourings, despite being great looking. It will also be quite special in Europe since you won’t see too many :)
Why not just get rid of the kidney grille altogether and just get Ian Callum to design them /s.
BMW is having the same “growth problem” that Audi had in 2006 when they decided to double the size of Audi’s grille.
There was at least one generation of Audi that had a horrible grille!
BMW are new to this segment, this definitely pronounces their arrival.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b0c04147de94aa1c304c493782d597b1e768d7b0c45cc7f6c89f0a17eca39779.png
Unfortunately, behind the grille the Volvo has 1/2 the BMW’s twin-turbo V8.
Lol. Anything to hold on to to make you feel better about BMW.
The Volvo looks miles better than this ugly-looking thing.
… and this coming from a BMW fan who drives and owns BMWs.
But he’s right. Volvo’s 4 cylinder doesn’t cut mustard. It’s puny in everything compared to BMW’s V8. And speaking of appearance, I’ll take X7 over Volvo every time.
You won’t hear me siding with Volvo when coming to engines versus BMW, this was about looks.
Yes, some people will like the BMW X7 looks (though I think that figure is likely in the minority) but to me the Volvo looks absolutely gorgeous when comparing the two.
And this coming from someone who has actually seen an X7 – gorgeous. Keep your 4 cyl. Chinese Swede.
Obviously in quite different leagues. XC90 should be compared with the X5.
They are in the same league. The X5 and X7 are just different lengths of the same class.
Clearly marketed for USA, China and Middle East. Too big. Certainly not as easy on the eyes as the new 3 series.
2019 BMW X7 SUV | #BMWX7 #X7 #G07 #carswow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lojTwSYd-AE
I actually do really like it. In my opinion, they couldn’t really have made the X7 any better looking than this. It’s not easy to make such a HUGE car look as handsome as say a 3 Series. I would even go as far as to say that’s impossible. However, I think they nailed it. Especially for the target audience – people who actually have the means to purchase this. But… No V12?? I guess the next 7 Series won’t have the V12 then either? Or maybe we’ll see an X7 M60i xDrive, I would really like that.
Anyone critical of this vehicle should check the autogefuhl video on YouTube. Gorgeous vehicle. Cullinan=V12.