The 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i review

Is the 2023 version of the BMW X7 xDrive40i the latest generation of the Ultimate Driving Machine still just that, or has it lost its way? Napleton News takes a look at the latest version of their large SUV to get a read on it. Here’s our report.

Large and in charge. That’s the BMW X7 xDrive40i

The BMW X7 is truly a company flagship. It’s the largest SUV, sorry, Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), the company makes and can carry three rows of passengers without even straining. It’s available with a couple of engine and trim level choices. The pinnacle is the X7 M60i powered by a 523 horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 making 553 lb-ft of torque.

Our X7 xDrive40i tester was the entry-level but hardly pedestrian model powered by the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine. This straight six delivers 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines feature standard 8-speed automatic transmissions, included xDrive all-wheel drive and BMW’s 48-volt mild hybrid system. If power is a necessity, and fuel costs are no object, you can’t go wrong with the Twin Turbo V8.

How does the X7 xDrive40i look?

The BMW X7 xDrive40i has all the features that keep it true to the brand’s identity. Start with the kidney grille. Check. Slitty LED lighting. Check. Even a Hofmeister Kink. Check. Couple that with the largest, boxiest shape available in the BMW fleet and you have what it takes to make a flagship.

There is a load of blingy trim pieces located around the X7. If it’s not enough, you can take advantage of the M Sport Package. It includes an appearance package, and an aerodynamic body kit, specific wheels and Shadowline exterior trim.

What about inside the xDrive40i?

The interior of the X7 is both beautiful and luxurious. And a bit overdone. What, you ask? Don’t get us wrong: the interior has everything you could want. There is the luxurious Merino leather seating package, with its massaging, heated and ventilated seats. There’s a Harman/Kardon premium audio system with complimentary Sirius XM Satellite Radio for one year.

A touchscreen display that is larger than many home flatscreen displays (just kidding) offers gesture or actual touchscreen functionality. It even operates the X7’s climate controls.

Yeah, about that: We understand how obsessive some Teutonic engineers can get, even if they live in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the X7 is built. But for all that is Holy, they need to redesign the overly complicated five-zone auto climate control system. The controls are not intuitive, they are too automated, and they don’t even send cold air to a person’s face unless you pull over to the side of the road to really concentrate on the system. Filling controls with confusing functions, buttons requiring taking eyes off the road and more only add to the struggle.

Me? I just want to touch it and have it work. Is that too much to ask?

Cargo space behind the third row seating is a bit on the disappointing side, checking in at 12.8 cubic feet. Fold those down for a more palatable 48.6 cubic feet behind the pair of captain’s chairs.

Behind the wheel of BMW’s largest.

It’s filled with sounds and sensory stimulation from the moment you open the door. A welcome note greets you as you climb inside and the audio system turns on to the channel you were listening to when you last exited. Buckle up and let’s go.

We drove the original X7 when introduced in 2019. It’s still quite fresh with great design (and a rather cramped third row seat). Then, the highlight of the interior was the Swarovski crystal shifter lever. This time, it has been replaced by a tiny Swarovski crystal widget in its place. That’s right folks, they’ve replaced the Swarovski version of BMW’s sore thumb shift lever with a new crystal nub instead.

The power from the inline turbocharged six-cylinder engine is silky smooth. Just as we expect from BMW. There are simply no rough spots. Oh wait. There is an aggressive thump when the auto start/stop function occurs but otherwise there’s no issue. Disabling this function is as easy as pushing a button.

There’s plenty of power for cruising, passing and even a bit of hooning (as if). But at the end of the day, all you really want to do in the X7 is drive. Isn’t that the goal, anyway?

2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Specifications

	2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
Engine Type	3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque	398 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic with xDrive AWD
Fuel Economy	22 mpg (21 city/25 hwy)
Suspension F/R	2-axle self-leveling air suspension
Turning Circle	42.8 ft.
Also Available	M60i w/523 hp 4.4-liter turbo V8
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Tested
Max Seating Capacity	6 or 7 passengers depending on configeration
Wheelbase	122.2 inches
Overall Length	203.6 inches
Width	78.7 inches
Height	72.2 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st, 2nd and 3rd row)	90.4/48.6/12.8 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	41.9 inches
Headroom, 2nd	39.9 inches
Headroom, 3rd	36.6 inches
Legroom, 1st	39.8 inches
Legroom, 2nd	37.6 inches
Legroom, 3rd	33.3 inches
Shoulder, 1st	60.0 inches
Shoulder, 2nd	58.1 inches
Shoulder, 3rd	47.9 inches