2019 BMW X7 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　

What's new

The X7 is an all-new BMW modelBigger and roomier than the X5Standard three-row seating

　　In recent years, BMW has been expanding its roster with supplemental niche models, such as four-door "coupes" based on traditional two-door coupe models (the 6 Series Gran Coupe, for example) and coupe-style SUVs (the X3-based X4). The all-new 2019 BMW X7, however, is about as traditional a product launch as you'll get: a large luxury SUV.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW X7 xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$212/mo  for X7 xDrive40i

　　X7 xDrive40i

　　xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $73,900 MSRPxDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $92,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The three-row X7 is the largest SUV from BMW yet and, as the name suggests, is as representative of flagship status as the 7 Series sedan is. You get similarly high levels of refinement, performance and comfort, along with the ability to seat up to seven passengers. The X7 benefits from a lengthy list of available features, too. But they will cost you. Compared to popular luxury three-row SUVs, the BMW is pricey in terms of base price as well as options.

　　In general, you'll be able to get an Audi Q7, a Mercedes-Benz GLS or a Volvo XC90 for less, which are all fine SUVs in their own right. Then again, the X7 benefits from a fresher design and the latest technology features. It's impressive enough that you could view the X7 as a less expensive alternative to premium luxury SUVs from Bentley and Land Rover. On the whole, the X7 strikes an optimal balance of luxury, performance and refinement that should please shoppers, drivers and passengers alike.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 BMW X7 as one of zzdcar' Best 3-Row SUVs for 2020, and also selected 2019 BMW X7 M50i as one of zzdcar' Best 3-Row SUVs for 2019.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the BMW X7 xDrive50i (turbo 4.4L V8 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	7.5
Interior	8.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.5

　　

Driving

8.0

　　A powerful turbocharged V8 endows the X7 with simply delightful acceleration, so passing and on-ramps aren't a problem. Alas, that small delay between the time you touch the gas pedal and when you start moving can make low-speed driving annoying. A light and predictable brake pedal cleverly masks the size and weight of this SUV.

　　The steering usually does the same, but variable assistance and feedback can make the experience inconsistent regardless of setting. It's quite a feat that the X7 can maintain freeway speeds up a twisty two-lane road, though your family may ask why you need to be going so fast. It's difficult to justify the merits of "great handling" in a three-row luxury SUV of this size.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　An available road-scanning system adjusts the suspension based on what it sees. While the system is effective at keeping the ride smooth over bigger bumps, it struggles on relatively smooth or undulating roads and makes the X7 ride too soft.

　　The wide seatbacks accommodate larger-size people, but narrower folks will miss the side bolstering, especially if they want to drive fast. The cabin masks all unpleasant exterior noises.

　　We're less fond of the climate control system. Even when you select the auto setting, you often need to make additional adjustments to the fan intensity and temperature of the dash panel vents. What's the point of auto? You have to continually fiddle with the controls to maintain comfort.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　Ample adjustment options ensure you can find the right seating position, while the large windows, mirrors and an extensive camera array provide a commanding outward view. There's plenty of space for the family, though the interior measurements don't match up to some competitors. The sole exception is third-row shoulder room, which is remarkably tight even by third-row standards.

　　Operating the controls is a mixed bag. Most buttons are easy to find. Gesture controls are an easily ignorable gimmick, but other parts are baffling. For example, sometimes the stereo turns off when you open the door to exit. Other times it waits until you've exited and locked the door.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　Though not as spacious as some oversize luxury SUVs, the X7 has plenty of room and smart cargo storage options. The bisected hatch provides an always useful tailgate. And we like the deep storage space underneath the third row where a spare tire would typically reside. While the door pockets are large, interior storage options are merely adequate.

　　Power-adjusting and -folding second and third rows are slow but easy to operate. They also provide neat features such as max cargo and passenger buttons that arrange the seats accordingly. When equipped with the optional tow hook, the X7 can tow 7,500 pounds, which is about average among three-row SUVs of this size.

　　

Technology

8.5

　　The large and crisp displays are easy to read and react quickly to control inputs and voice commands. But the complexity of the underlying systems and somewhat convoluted menu layout mean there's a steep learning curve. As of a retroactive released in July 2020, the X7 now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.

　　In the right circumstances, such as stop-and-go traffic, the X7's adaptive cruise control system controls speed and steering without driver input, only asking that you keep your eyes on the road (verified with a driver-facing camera).

　　

Which X7 does zzdcar recommend?

　　We recommend the base X7 xDrive40i for most X7 shoppers. The V8-powered xDrive50i comes with a few extra standard features, but they're not significant enough to justify the big price increase compared to the xDrive40i. However, upgrading to the xDrive50i will be worthwhile if you're planning on towing with your X7 or frequently transporting a lot of passengers and cargo.

　　

2019 BMW X7 models

　　The 2019 BMW X7 is a seven-passenger, three-row SUV that is available in two trim levels: xDrive40i and xDrive50i. The xDrive40i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder (335 horsepower, 330 lb-ft of torque). It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The xDrive50i upgrades to a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 (456 hp, 479 lb-ft).

　　Standard xDrive40i features include 21-inch wheels, an air suspension, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a powered dual-section tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, a pre-wired trailer hitch receiver (5,400-pound limit), a self-leveling air-ride suspension, selectable drive modes, and keyless entry and ignition.

　　Inside, you also get four-zone automatic climate control, emergency telematics, remote vehicle monitoring and control via a smartphone app, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, simulated leather upholstery (SensaTec), heated and power-adjustable front seats, 40/20/40-split folding second-row seats, and 50/50-split folding third-row seats.

　　Standard technology features for the X7 include a digital gauge cluster display, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay (subscription-based), two USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 10-speaker sound system. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor and lane departure warning are also included.

　　Optionally, you can add the Driving Assistance Professional package (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, automatic evasive steering, front cross-traffic alert and a low-level automated driving system) and the Parking Assistance package (a surround-view camera system and an automated parking system).

　　The xDrive50i trim includes all of the above and adds leather upholstery, multicontour front seats, a surround-view camera, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

　　Most of the X7's options are bundled in packages. The major ones you'll want to consider are the Premium package (soft-close doors, remote ignition, power rear window shades, a head-up display, heated and cooled cupholders, gesture control and, for the xDrive40i, the Harman Kardon surround-sound system); the Cold Weather package (five-zone climate control, heated rear seats, heated front armrests and a heated steering wheel); and the Luxury Seating package (ventilated multicontour front seats with massage functions).

　　Notable stand-alone add-ons include 22-inch wheels, running boards, an upgraded trailer hitch (7,500-pound limit), a display key, additional leather interior coverings, second-row captain's chairs, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system, and a dual-screen rear entertainment system. The Executive package (adaptive LED laser headlights, a panoramic sunroof with LED lighting, and a glass gear selector and buttons) is exclusive to the xDrive50i.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 X7 articles

　　

2019 X7 Highlights

Trim: xDrive40ixDrive50ixDrive40i

　　

Base MSRP	$73,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$212/month
Seating	7 seats
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles