2023 BMW X7

　　

2023 BMW X7 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　BMW has thrown a new coat of paint at its flagship three-row SUV, both in literal and figurative senses. Literally, the automaker had purged five exterior colors from the 2023 BMW X7 lineup but added five new ones (two blues and three grays, if you were wondering). But BMW marks the first-generation X7's midway point figuratively with a fresh dose of more power for its six-cylinder engine, a rebuilt V8 engine (yet with the same power as before), a significant in-car tech overhaul, and a subtle update to the X7's otherwise bold face.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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

　　$207/mo  for X7 xDrive40i

　　X7 xDrive40i

　　xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $77,850 MSRPM60i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $103,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　A new electrical assist system is added to both of the X7's six- and eight-cylinder engines, although the six-cylinder benefits most. It gains 40 horsepower for a total of 375 hp and about 15% more low-end torque. The V8 is built from entirely new components, according to BMW, yet makes the same power as the outgoing engine. At 523 hp, it feels like plenty, though the six-cylinder engine is no slouch either. The new X7 also features a sophisticated air suspension and anti-roll functions that give it a sure-footedness uncommon in its class. That helps it handle better than most rivals, with more controlled body motions around corners.

　　Up front, the X7 features restyled headlights, with LED intensity packed into a narrower real estate. The oversized kidney grille remains a love-it-or-leave-it proposition, but assuming you love it, now you have the option to illuminate it with multiple tiny LED accents. Inside the cabin, two separate high-definition dash displays seamlessly join into one expansive curved widescreen, incorporating both digital driver instruments and the X7's infotainment nerve center. It's a truly impressive unit, among the best in the business, and its curvature encourages the passenger to take control of functions such as navigation that might otherwise distract a driver.

　　The cumulative changes give the X7 an edge in a competitive class of large luxury SUVs. We're still partial to the X7's main rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLS since it better embodies the space and luxury most buyers seek. And others like the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade outmatch the X7 in cargo space and towing capacity. But if you prefer a big SUV that can still handle corners at high speed, the refreshed 2023 X7 is one of your best bets. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for a full report.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the X7 drive? We tested the X7 xDrive40i, which has the inline six-cylinder engine. Boot the accelerator at any speed and the X7 pulls ahead with zero drama. At our test track, the X7 xDrive40i accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That's hugely impressive for a luxury three-row SUV with a six-cylinder. For comparison, the last Cadillac Escalade (with its 420-hp V8, mind you) we tested needed 6.7 seconds to get to 60 mph.

　　The X7 crossover is reasonably athletic around turns for such a large SUV, especially if you compare it to truck-based alternatives. In more routine driving, the X7 is smooth and easy to drive. Transmission shifts are quick and unobtrusive.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the X7? Electronic wizardry abounds to keep the X7's ride comfortable. Our test vehicle had the Dynamic Handling package, which includes a camera that scans the road for imperfections and actively prepares the suspension dampers to provide the smoothest ride possible. That's the idea anyway. In Comfort mode, the suspension borders on floaty. We found the ride to be overly floaty when we had the X7 in the Comfort setting; switching to Sport settled down the ride without compromising overall comfort.

　　BMW makes some of the best high-end seats in the business, and the adjustable upper backrest makes it a cinch to find a perfect driving position. Exterior noise is absent except for the pleasant growl of the inline-six under heavy acceleration.

　　The only real downside is the climate system. The air vents are small and the automatic setting might not keep you fully satisfied with cabin temperatures or fan speed. We also thought it odd that this high-end SUV doesn't offer ventilated second-row seats (you can get them in a Kia Telluride), but the front seat's ventilation is so weak that they probably wouldn't be missed anyway.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below