2024 BMW X7

As its name suggests, the BMW X7 is bigger than the X5. The X5 is, of course, excellent. And it even offers the option of a third seating row, albeit somewhat cramped. The X7, meanwhile, is a 7-seater in standard form (with a little more legroom in the rearmost section) and places a greater emphasis on luxury and comfort.

It does start about $15,000 more than the X5, but the X7 has all the typical BMW goodness — including a couple of awesome engines — while still being able to transport a large and well-off family.

Changes for the 2024 X7 focus on features that have just joined the list of options. Such as the BMW Crystal Headlights containing genuine Swarovski crystals that make multi-faceted refractions.

Remote Control Parking and Maneuver Assistant functions are added to the Parking Assistant Professional package, allowing users to control their X7 from outside using the My BMW app on their iPhones.

Highway Assistant allows partial self-driving (no hands or feet required, but drivers must still remain alert and aware) and is now part of the Driving Assistance Professional package. And a rear strip finished in high-gloss black joins the Extended Shadowline exterior trim package.

The closest rival is the updated-for-2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, starting in the mid-80s. It emphasizes extreme luxury with its range-topping Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 model, which is more like $175K. Or the powerful Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 could go up against the similarly priced XB7.

The Lexus LX begins around $90K, and the long-wheelbase 7-seater Land Rover Range Rover is in the $114K ballpark. Looking at larger, home-grown alternatives, the Cadillac Escalade starts in the $80K region, the Lincoln Navigator is more mid-80s, and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer heads toward to 90s.

Before buying a new X7 full-size luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

We’d like to thank the fine people at BMW who decided to fit this large X7 SUV with an air suspension as standard. The ride is so beautifully comfortable (with the standard 21-inch wheels, at least), yet not the slightest bit sloppy. It also has an adjustable height for easy entries, exits, loading, and unloading.

The peace of this quiet cabin is only broken when revving the engine hard, which can be exceptionally entertaining. Not many drivers will want to dash from standstill to 60 mph with all the family and the dog on board, but it might be good to know that the xDrive40i can do it in a respectable 5.6 seconds. The M60i needs only 4.5 seconds. And the Alpina XB7 stops the clock at 3.9 seconds. That’s phenomenal, especially considering the vehicle’s 3-ton weight.

In case the Alpina name is unfamiliar, it’s an independent tuning house specializing in hot BMWs. But it gets the official seal of approval, so Alpina-modified versions can be ordered from BMW dealers and still come with a full factory warranty. They’re niche models, sure, but we’ve absolutely loved every Alpina we’ve ever driven.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of large luxury SUVs, including the X7.

We’re impressed by the quality in the X7’s cabin, including the materials and the way they’ve been assembled. And just because a lot of vehicles are using one big unit to house a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen, that doesn’t mean we’re blasé about the classy BMW Curved Display here.

BMW offers plenty of choices in leathers, wood trims, and color schemes. Most buyers should find something that works for them.

Standard seating in the X7 SUV is for seven occupants. An optional pair of captain’s chairs in the second row brings that down to six, but access to the third row becomes easier and naturally they’re more comfortable than the regular 3-position bench seat.

Up front, heated multi-contour front seats are standard. These are great seats and often optional in other BMW vehicles. The second row has a decent amount of legroom: 37.6 inches. The third row’s 33.3 inches makes this area better suited to kids.

This latter observation brings up the fact that the X7 isn’t as big as some luxury 3-row SUV rivals like the Cadillac Escalade or even the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Which also plays into the cargo aspect. Behind the third row is 12.8 cubic feet of luggage space — compare that with the 17.4 cubic feet in the GLS. It’s the difference between three or four sets of golf clubs. When rows two and three are folded, at least the X7’s 90.4 cubic feet beats the Benz’s 84.7.

Most potential buyers have an idea of the midsize X5’s size. At a fraction under 17 feet (the length of a typical minivan, incidentally), the X7 is roughly 9 inches longer than the X5 (the Mercedes-Benz GLS is about 3 inches longer again). It’s also 5 inches taller, approximately. Width-wise, they’re really close.

Those seeking something even bigger should check out American full-size luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and the Lincoln Navigator.

We’ll leave opinions on styling to personal taste, but there’s no arguing that the X7 has a lot of presence.

iDrive
BMW’s infotainment system is both feature-packed and user-friendly. It’s controlled by a touchscreen, voice commands, or even hand gestures. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is standard, along with Wi-Fi and wireless charging.

Head-up display
Having information projected onto the windshield saves the driver from shifting focus between the road and a screen. Typically an option when offered at all, it’s standard in the 2024 X7.

Heated steering wheel and armrests
As well as heated front seats as standard, so are these, adding a greater feeling of luxury.

Premium package
At $1,850, this is a relatively affordable options bundle that includes soft-closing doors, power shades for the rear windows, gesture control, and a Harman Kardon audio upgrade. For an extra $3,400, there’s the superb 20-speaker/1,500-watt Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system.

Executive package
This includes all the Premium package features, adding a panoramic glass roof with LEDs, massage functions for the front seats, heated/cooled cup holders, and glass controls.

Parking Assistant Professional
Now enhanced with remote control, this optional feature can self-park the X7. A 360-degree camera system is also part of the package. And with the My BMW app, owners can check the surroundings of their parked vehicle.

The sane option for propelling the 2024 X7 is the xDrive40i’s turbocharged 6-cylinder engine making 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Slightly less hinged, the M60i comes with a turbocharged V8 making more than 500 horsepower, a thrill-worthy figure for anyone who isn’t a professional NASCAR driver or something similar.

Predictably, there’s also a variant of this luxury family vehicle created especially for making those German autobahns feel much shorter. It’s the Alpina XB7, taking the M60i’s V8 and boosting it to 631 horsepower, while reinforcing the 8-speed automatic transmission that comes with every new X7.

These engines also have mild-hybrid systems, which means smooth engine stop/restart functions and a few other little fuel-saving strategies. Premium gasoline is the juice of choice. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup. And with the proper equipment, the X7 can tow up to 7,500 pounds.

xDrive40i
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine
375 horsepower @ 5,200-6,250 rpm
398 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-5,000 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 22 mpg (21 city, 25 highway)

M60i
4.4-liter turbocharged V8
523 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,600
EPA combined fuel economy: 18 mpg (16 city, 21 highway)

XB7
4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8
631 horsepower @ 5,600-6,500 rpm
590 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,600 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy: 17 mpg (16 city, 20 highway)

More X7 fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This is typical among German luxury car makers.