BMW X7: New Look, Old Engines

Visually, BMW has done a lot with the X7, as the front bumper and the interior are largely new. It's just a shame that in terms of drive technology, it's no more than mildly hybridized: After all, nestled in the new eight-speed Steptronic is a small electric motor that provides an extra boost with up to 200 Nm of torque and 12 hp of power, allowing the X7 to roll purely electrically for very short stretches, requiring even an acoustic warning signal.

The basis is formed by the two three-liter inline-six-cylinder engines in the X7 xDrive40i and the xDrive40d. Neither of them is weak: The 40i delivers 380 hp and surfs on a wave of 520 Nm of torque. The diesel delivers 352 hp in the overall system and offers a generous 720 Nm of torque. This means that even the "base" is generously motorized. Above that, there's the M60i with a 4.4-liter V8 that boasts 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque – and announces its power loudly through a sports exhaust system. According to the WLTP standard, fuel consumption ranges from 7.6 to 8.7 liters/100 km for the diesel to 12.2 to 13.3 liters/100 km for the M60i – which in reality means more like ten (40d) to 15l/100km (M60i).

Noticeable: The new front bumper

Thanks to the new front bumper, the front now reminds one of Citroen or Hyundai, with narrow daytime running light strips and separate main headlights, where this motto is already being abandoned or modified, and in our opinion, it loses a bit of character except for the enormous grille. A slim, tall grille along with narrow main headlights similar to the iX would have been more "Beemer." The rear of the X7 has been only slightly modified.

More changes happened inside, where the curved display brought significant changes, similar to the iX, 2 Series Active Tourer, and the new 7 Series. Here too, there is a 14.9-inch central display in the middle, behind which works the BMW OS 8 operating system. The gear selector for the automatic transmission has been replaced by a small toggle switch next to the iDrive controller. The assistance systems have also been expanded: The front collision warning now offers hazard detection when turning right if cyclists and pedestrians are approaching parallel to the roadway. When turning left, the system is supposed to detect oncoming traffic. This way, the X7 can, if necessary, abort the turning maneuver or brake. Additionally, there is now a route progression regulation, active navigation guidance, traffic light recognition, and a trailer and maneuver assistant.

And last but not least, the equipment has been upgraded: Comfort access, heated front comfort seats, and the panoramic glass roof are now standard. The adaptive suspension now always comes with air suspension, and the M60i also includes the formerly optional roll stabilization as standard.

Production is scheduled to start after the plant holidays in August 2022. Prices are rising slightly and will then start at 97,700 euros, which is approximately 82,100 euros net. The top model costs 122,200 euros, which is just under 102,690 euros net.

What does this mean?

Unfortunately, the X7 has only been visually adapted to the new 7 Series. In terms of engines, it still has to make do with mild-hybridized combustion engines, of which the diesel clearly makes the most sense. The main market remains the USA, and the electric version will come with the successor.