In an ideal world, we’d all own the Rivian R1S, GMC Sierra EV Denali, and Lucid Air EV. They’re not necessarily the best zero-emissions cars, but they can go far. That’s what you want in an EV, especially since battery-powered cars are notoriously sensitive to climate change. But if you’re not ready for a major lifestyle change and need more time before you ditch the dead dinosaur juice forever, here’s a suggestion: buy this BMW.
First, I want to point out that the best vehicle for you and your family is the one you can comfortably afford. There’s no point in trying to look cool to your peers or pressure yourself into buying a car. Most are depreciating assets and the novelty wears off after a couple of months. Plus, if you have a kid or two (or nieces or nephews or very young cousins) who travel with you a lot, a luxury vehicle will cost a lot to maintain. No matter how you look at it, a premium luxury vehicle will cost you… a lot.
The X7 is a very expensive three-row Off-road. At the time of writing, its starting price is $83,500. That gets you a 375-hp three-row Bavarian loft on wheels (i.e., the X7 xDrive40i) that can hit 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill in 5.6 seconds. Under the hood sits the famous B58 six-cylinder engine, which is considered one of the best engines ever made. It’s not just quite powerful; it’s also reliable.
But don't expect the 3.0-liter mechanical beating heart to be perfect. Hybridization hasn't done it any favors. Some Gen 3 B58 owners have complained about problems with Start-Stop or coasting (i.e., turning off the engine while cruising at a constant speed on the highway).
Everyone knows that complexity is the enemy of reliability, but that's what happens when environmental regulations can't be avoided. These efficiency measures are also important because they help automakers avoid extreme downsizing or abandoning the internal combustion engine altogether.
Photo: BMW
If you’re well-heeled and fill up at Costco after every grocery run, then the $110,900 X7 M60i with a mighty 523-hp V8 is the better choice.
If you're really wealthy, then the Alpina XB7 is the three-row BMW you'll buy. It has 631 horsepower, which allows it to go from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Keeping it as simple as possible
However, no BMW is a true BMW without a couple of options. Since we are talking about a family transporter and not a commuter appliance that will rarely be able to travel in a high-occupancy vehicle (Car with driver) our choice fell on the new X7 xDrive40i.
A good enough setup includes the free Sparkling Copper exterior (a bit lighter than the familiar Dravit Grey) or any other non-extra color, no-cost 21-inch wheels, $1,950 Coffee Merino leather for softer, more supportive seats, and any interior trim that isn’t piano black or costs more than $100 (we chose Anthracite Poplar with a matte finish).
Now for the options. We’ve added the $1,850 Premium Package for soft-close doors, rear window sunshades, and gesture control, the $900 Parking Assistant Package for the 360-degree camera system, the $800 five-zone climate control system, and the $4,249 Ultimate Care+2 Package for peace of mind. The latter includes full coverage for five years or 75,000 miles, meaning wear and tear items will be replaced at no cost with original parts backed by a two-year warranty.
Photo: BMW
It’s worth noting that the Ultimate Care+2 package isn’t really necessary. The limited warranty should be enough in case something goes wrong with your new three-row Bavarian SUV. Technicians won’t change your oil any sooner than BMW allows (10,000-mile intervals). They also won’t replace your transmission fluid, filters, and pan, and they won’t give your X7 new spark plugs or belts because those are considered lifetime or 100,000-mile operations. Plus, thanks to YouTube, replacing an air filter or brake pads has become a simple Saturday job.
So our X7 without blacked-out trim or an upgraded suspension costs $94,424 before taxes, fees, and shipping. Not bad. That’s about $500 less than a 665-hp, dual-motor all-electric Rivian R1S with the new 141.5-kWh Max Pack battery and Performance Upgrade.
So why buy one?
Well, the engine is the first good reason. The B58 is reliable and, when installed under the hood of the X7 and connected to the eight-speed ZF transmission, it unleashes enough power to move you and your loved ones quickly when needed and without jolts in traffic. The standard air suspension also helps with this.
Photo: BMW
The X7 xDrive40i is also quite fuel efficient. The vehicle should be able to get 24 to 27 miles per gallon in real-world driving scenarios, including highway speeds. Just be sure to take it in for an oil change every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and fill up with better gas. The minimum is 89-octane gas, and 91 is what the owner's manual recommends, but it would be better in the long run to give the X7 access to periodic gulps of 93. The latter contains more ethanol, which means it burns a bit better. Better combustion is good for the longevity of turbocharged engines.
Another reason to buy the X7, believe it or not, is the looks. Once you get past the 2018-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe's front-end design and radiator-inspired grille, you'll gradually start to like this behemoth. Its grand stance inspires confidence, and the taillights have been (thank goodness!) tastefully redesigned.
But if we’re being completely honest, few people would consider buying a nearly six-figure family car for its tidy exterior. This car has to feel great to anyone who sits inside. Fortunately, the X7 lives up to that standard. If you pay for the Merino upholstery upgrade, the seats will be fairly wide, comfortable, and have plenty of adjustability.
A six-seat configuration is desirable for families who want to sit close together or need a little more room to move around or pack a few bags, but even the second-row bench is A-OK. The good news is that third-row passengers have access to their own sunroof (with a sunshade!), and individual climate controls (if you select the five-zone climate option) plus actual vents that can be adjusted.
Photo: autoevolution
They also have more legroom and a better seating position than those further back in a Mercedes-Benz GLS. Your kids will also appreciate decent cup holders, good headroom, plenty of window space (including a sizable rear quarter glass), and a heating function.
But the rear-biased X7 with its nearly 50:50 weight distribution isn’t just for passengers. The driver needs to be happy, too. Choose the Integral Active Steering option for the rear-wheel drive and the Bavarian ride becomes much more manageable in the city or in tight parking spaces. A high-quality 360-degree camera system also helps you make all the right moves, while clever features like the Reverse Assistant can get you out of a sticky situation.
Bigger than the Audi Q7, better put together than a Land Rover Range Rover, more refined (and quieter!) than the GLS, and with better software than all three competitors, the X7 is the three-row SUV you should buy if you want an uncompromising driving experience and the best conditions for your family. It’s true that the switch to iDrive 8 has made the cabin a little less appealing, but the Bavarians have spent a lot of time and money to get everything right. You’ll get used to it all in no time, or simply learn the voice commands that work with the virtual assistant.
A couple of final considerations
Now, while I recommend you buy our version of the refreshed X7, your best bet is a used unit or even one that has some sort of warranty or dealer protection. The B58 engine in the original 2019-2022 X7 doesn’t have any added mild hybrid technology and is arguably nicer than its successor.
Photo: BMW
Also, those thin headlights look much cooler and more aggressive than the split design, and some may even have Laserlight technology. When enabled, it can illuminate the road for a distance of about 660 yards (603 meters). That’s double the distance covered by conventional lighting systems. But keep in mind that the laser beam is enabled at speeds above 37 mph (60 km/h), and the latest adaptive LED technology has made those fancy headlights useless because their performance is almost the same. It’s still cool to have a laser warning on your car!
Another highlight of the previous X7 is the nicer materials in the cabin, the many physical buttons, and the iDrive 7. But that's just an observation and personal preference. You might end up thinking otherwise.
Ultimately, any well-equipped and maintained used X7 or a brand new one can be a great choice for families who don't want a MPV like the Kia Carnival or Toyota Sienna. It can also be a good car for a parent who might want to do a little enthusiastic driving every now and then. If you can afford it (including maintenance and insurance), then it's an obvious choice. It will make you and your passengers happy.
If you don't need a third row and an all-electric vehicle doesn't appeal to you, the versatile X5 xDrive50e is your best bet. Use it the right way (e.g. charge the battery at home, drive in Electric vehicle (use “Automotive On-The-Go” mode for short trips and don’t suddenly start the engine while on the highway) and you’ll understand why plug-in hybrids can be the best of both worlds.