BMW X7 Review

Gumtree Rating

4.5 rating

First launched in 2019, the X7 is the newest car in BMW’s line-up. It’s also the German manufacturer’s flagship SUV, and its gargantuan dimensions are matched by few other luxury vehicles. All the extra space is ideal for a larger family, and the opulent interior cabin means you’ll all ride in real comfort and style. Besides its peerless practicality, the X7 is also built for enjoyable handling, and its power can compete with most premium sports cars. You’ll have a blast taking this monster around city streets, as well as on longer motorway drives.

Find out more on our BMW X7 model page.

What we think about the BMW X7

The X7 is a luxury SUV that’s hard to beat for power, performance and practicality.

Pros

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More than enough space for passengers and cargo

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Great selection of powerful engines

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A smooth, relaxing ride

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Gorgeous interior with an impressive feature set

Cons

High price point and expensive running costs

Some of the large engines aren’t efficient

The BMW X7 is a seven-seater SUV. There are two entry-level X7s: the xDrive40d, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel engine, and the xDrive40i, with a similarly-sized petrol unit. The xDrive40d’s engine can provide up to 36.2 mph. Other trims offer more powerful diesels, while one has a larger petrol engine.

Driving performance of the Bmw X7

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

For such a large, imposing vehicle, the BMW offers great handling. It has an impressive level of smoothness and balance, with a driving experience that can easily compete with cars half its size. Obviously the driving isn’t quite at racing level, as there is some notable body roll in corners that limits your precision. But when you’re taking it out for longer drives on motorways or country roads, it’s a breeze – with soft, comfy suspension over all types of terrain.

Safety and reliability of the Bmw X7

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The BMW X7 is yet to be crash tested by Euro NCAP, though there’s no reason to expect it to achieve anything less than top marks. The X5 achieved the full five-star rating from the safety body back in 2018, and the X7’s bulkier build suggests that passengers might be even more protected. Standard safety and driver assistance systems include adaptive LED headlights, automatic emergency braking (AEB), cruise control, and a driver attentiveness monitor. If you upgrade to the Technology package, you can also get lane-keeping assistance, active side collision protection, and other advanced features.

Under the bonnet of the Bmw X7

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

Both entry-level engines on the X7 are six-cylinder, 3.0-litre units: one petrol and one diesel. They provide around 335 bhp, with a rapid 0-62 mph time of just over six seconds. You can also opt for a more powerful quad-turbo 3.0-litre diesel with 395bhp, which will get you to 62 mph from standing in just 5.4 seconds. The top-end petrol engine is a 3.0-litre V8, with an immense power output of 523 bhp. Its 0-62 mph time of 4.7 seconds is unlikely to be beaten by a SUV of this size anytime soon.

What you'll find in the Bmw X7

Our Design Rating9 / 10

As one of the newest and largest cars in the BMW line-up, the X7 really stands out from the crowd, and its design balances muscular sturdiness with the German manufacturer’s classic luxury. Sculpted flanks and a slim front give it an imposing and dynamic presence on the road, and it towers over most other vehicles out there. Even BMW’s iconic split grille has been scaled up to match the dimensions of this road warrior, creating a unique impression that’s sure to turn heads.

Comfort and interiors in the Bmw X7

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

The X7’s interior is maybe even more impressive than its exterior design, exuding all the elegance and sophistication that’s associated with BMW. The cabin has a nice ergonomic layout, and everything is perfectly sculpted and fitted for form and function. All the parts are put together and finished with high-quality plastics, wood, metal, and leather trim. The X7’s huge size obviously means it’s a roomy, comfortable car for all seven adult passengers to lounge in, and power-adjustable seats come as standard.

bmw x7 dashboard

What features you'll find in the Bmw X7

Our Features Rating9 / 10

The X7 has a broad range of upgrades available, on top of its already impressive standard feature set. The Premium features pack includes temperature-controlled cup holders, heated massage-function front seats, and five-zone ambient climate control with selectable scents. BMW’s premium infotainment system is one of the most usable and advanced on the market, and you can access it via a large 12.3-inch touchscreen. You have a choice between a Bowers & Wilkins or a Harman/Kardon stereo as part of the top-end Technology pack, and you can even get added screens in the back with TV functionality.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Bmw X7

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The X7’s basic diesel engine offers up to 36.2mpg, which isn’t too bad for such a huge, powerful vehicle. It also has the lowest carbon emissions of the bunch, kicking out around 203 g/km. The faster diesel engine does see a noticeable drop-off in efficiency, with a claimed figure of around 31.4 mpg. As for the petrol engines, you’ll get 25.7 mpg from the entry-level petrol unit, and just 22 mpg from the most powerful V8 engine in the M50i.

Running costs of the Bmw X7

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

Long-term costs are likely to add up for the X7. So, it’s worth opting for one of the more efficient diesels if you’re looking to make savings, particularly as even the entry-level engines pack a real punch. Their large size will see you shelling out quite a lot for insurance premiums, and road tax will also be a lot higher than average, as this is a luxury vehicle. The standard manufacturer’s warranty from BMW is just three years, and you’ll probably also have to pay a bit more for replacement parts.

Our verdict of the Bmw X7

4.5 rating

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

One of the most uncompromising cars on the market, BMW's largest SUV matches its imposing presence with fierce engine power, great handling and luxury design.