When I think of three-row SUVs, typically BMW does not pop into my mind. Then I realize I forgot about the X7, which BMW does not want to hear because they want consumers to immediately recognize it as an option for people hauling. My mind tends to wander to the domestic luxury haulers like the Escalade, Grand Wagoneer and Navigator. But some people want luxury with the ability to be sporty. And the BMW X7 M60i does not disappoint. With a rip-roaring twin-turbo V8 coupled to a 48-volt mild hybrid system, the X7 can get your car seats and belongings to your next location fast. It might not be for everyone, but if you crave a sports car experience from an SUV, it delivers. If not, BMW can offer you a more mundane version of the X7, but who wants to miss the fun?
Show and Go!
To make a large three-row SUV boogie like this, it is going to take some power. On tap is 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque that motivates the large SUV to 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds. Moreover, it sounds the part with an adjustable sport exhaust system. BMW’s top powerplant for the X7 does not disappoint. According to BMW, the new V8 uses the thermodynamic benefits of a cross-bank exhaust manifold, bank-symmetrical turbochargers and external engine oil cooling. In addition, a reinforced crankshaft drive, turbocharging with a blow-off valve, a new oil pump and a weight-minimized oil sump all play a role in increasing the engine’s efficiency. The combination of the engine and the 48-volt electric motor integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission gives drivers the benefits of optimized response and power delivery under acceleration and increased efficiency thanks to adaptive recuperation. The controlled intervention of the electric motor also noticeably increases comfort levels when the Auto Start Stop function is idling and in coasting situations. The coasting function deactivates the engine when you select the Driving Experience Control mode ECO PRO.
New Technologies
The latest generation iDrive vehicle interface pairs with the BMW Curved Display. The fully digital screen is composed of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display. The display size is impressive, and although I did not like the native navigation system, when it pairs to CarPlay the Google Maps encompasses enough real estate to make it super easy to read and use. BMW did a good job of fitting the Apple CarPlay information to the large screen without it looking lost or out of place.
Crystal Clear
You want to look good pulling up in a BMW, and the Crystal Headlights do not disappoint. Genuine crystals from Swarovski positioned in the upper section of the lights and backlit by LED units act as side marker lights and daytime running lights. In daylight and when lit at night, the crystals reflect the light in a multitude of facets. It pairs nicely with the interior crystal shift selector.
Easy Park
Let’s say you have difficulty negotiating your driveway, and it takes a lot of maneuvers to turn the car around so you can head away from home facing the right direction. Here Parking Assistant Pro is super cool. You drive the turnaround perfectly and slowly once using the Maneuver Assistant. It then memorizes the turnaround procedure, and you can recall it using the My BMW app. Customers can control the vehicle from up to 20 feet away or go along for the ride. The Maneuver Assistant can also record and store up to ten maneuvers at different locations, each covering a maximum distance of 200 meters and up to a combined total of 600 meters. When the vehicle returns to one of the stored starting points, the system performs all the driving tasks required to navigate the distance, including acceleration, braking, steering and, if required, multiple direction and gear changes. Your car can be facing the correct direction before you even get inside.
Active Comfort Drive
The BMW is equipped with an air suspension, and the engineers wanted to take advantage of it. The Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview has some cool suspension tech. Roll stabilization at both axles is combined with the adaptive suspension and factors in additional information from the navigation system, driving style analysis and camera-based anticipation data to maximize ride comfort. Since the adaptive air suspension with self-leveling function maintains the full range of spring travel when the vehicle is carrying a load, the addition of active roll stabilization makes it possible to activate a softer air spring setting and increase ride comfort. The anti-roll bars between the wheels are disconnected, reducing the amount of body roll caused by surface imperfections on one side of the vehicle. This has the effect of decreasing the lateral acceleration forces and the “head toss” they cause. I do not know how perceptible it is, but I do know the large 23-inch wheels in the rear and 22-inch wheels in front look amazing. However, they have a large diameter with stiff sidewalls because of run-flat technology. You feel the X7 jostle over freeway expansion joints, but everything else feels relatively comfy. There is even new AI tech keeping an eye on the tires. It uses a cloud-based algorithm to detect pressure loss sooner than the vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitor can. The driver is notified of any pressure loss together with the recommended course of action via the My BMW app. Statistical information and AI methods are used to predict wear performance for the vehicle’s tires and forecast the remaining tire life.
Bowers and Wilkins Audio
The Bowers and Wilkins audio system is very impressive. According to the design team of the two companies, they collaborated to redefine the meaning of “performance.” The result is the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System: “the most complete in-vehicle audio system ever made.” There are 20 amplified channels coupled to 20 drivers, two of which are 8.5-inch subwoofers. The stainless steel grilles are even backlit with LEDs to treat you to a special visual experience. The sound is wide and deep, and bass is punchy. There is a ten-channel EQ that can be tailored to your liking, but the B&W settings from the factory are very good. It cannot delve into the lowest frequencies, but it is an amazing start for someone on the quest for near-perfect sound in an automobile.
The BMW X7 M60i is not inexpensive, coming in at just under $125K. But you get speed, great handling, a great sound system, the latest technology, good looks and three rows of passenger space. Its price point is not out of whack for the segment and might be considered a near bargain. It is nice to have money, and if you want to pilot your three-row SUV, the BMW is an amazing choice.
