BMW X7 Review

The X7 is the largest model in the X line-up and BMW have put it slap-bang in the full fat Range Rover and Mercedes GLS court.

They boldly state that the X7 is the first car to fuse the presence, exclusivity and spaciousness of a luxury model with the agile and versatile driving properties expected of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

I’m sure there are a few other manufacturers that will argue that point, but as this article is all about their new X7, let’s go with it.

How does it drive?

The first car I drove on the X7 launch was the 50d, and with its set of quad turbos offering 400bhp you won’t be surprised to read that it was pretty boisterous!

Starting and finishing at Gleneagles, the route took me along some spectacular roads, passing both Loch Earn and Loch Tay. Somehow, despite its size, the X7 was an easy car to thread along the narrow twisty roads, and when they widened I simply opened the window and enjoyed the experience.

The 50d, with its 400bhp is crazy quick, and offers almost break neck acceleration from any speed, yet glides along and you can enjoy the muted silence. Press your foot into the carpet however, and, as well as a boost in acceleration, there’s a throaty roar.

It’s such a fun car to drive for a driving enthusiast, but you do wonder its purpose in the UK, especially when you consider that the 30d has 265hp, and is arguably already quick enough for our congested roads.

Following a colleague around the spectacular Scottish roads, it was interesting to watch just how composed the X7 was from behind, as it weaved its way through narrow, unrestricted roads.

There’s certainly fun to be had when you knock it into Sport mode and engage its flappy paddles! Then, just like any executive cruiser, the big X7 will waft you along in peace and tranquility with the best of them.

Taking the X7 for a long, spirited drive and you soon come to an understanding of why the police use the X5 as armed response vehicles. The X5 has presence, performance and they’re safe, and the same goes for the X7 too.

My only moan after a day driving two X7s is that, when you select manual mode, it’s so quiet that it’s difficult to know what gear you’re in. Yes, it tells you on the dash, but it’s quite small.

Off road

Sadly, on my rotation BMW weren’t taking them off road, which was vexing, but reports from other motoring colleagues, who did venture into the gooey stuff, was that they performed admirably.

In my experience, BMW’s X-Drive has proven to work well off road. I had an X6 a few years ago, and it surprised me how well it performed, despite its low profile and road biased tyres.

If you’re planning on taking your X7 off the beaten track, you’ll be pleased to know that the X7’s air suspension, in ‘Off-Road’ mode, will raise itself 40mm, and can happily wade through 500mm of water. If you want, or need proper off-road capability, then I suspect the Range Rover is still the vehicle to buy, due to its better approach, clearance and departure angles.

Interior and Specs

Where do I begin? Sumptuous, classy and understated I suppose.

Step inside and you are met with merino leather seats (£5k option), leather dash and plenty of luxury. The seats have all the adjustments you will ever require, and offer huge amounts of comfort. Staying on the subject of seats, the X7 is a proper 7-seater, meaning that adults are able to fit in the third row seats without having to fold themselves up.

As for space, even with all seven seats up, the X7 still offers 320 litres of boot space, which is about the same as a small hatchback. Fold the rearmost seats down, and that grows to a huge 750 litres. If you don’t need a 7-seater, then, for not much more money, you can swap the X7’s middle row from the traditional three-seat bench to two individual luxurious seats.

The X7 comes with the most advanced version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system which is a doddle to navigate, even for me. It comprises of the usual rotary controller with menu shortcut buttons between the front seats and a 12” screen, which can be controlled using the controller, via touch or by voice.

Also standard is another 12” screen behind the steering wheel acting at the driver’s instruments. Again, it’s clear, crisp and easy to use, so you can have the information displayed that you want, including things like speed, fuel consumption, navigation info and your radio or media selection.

Safety features? Yeah, it’s got those too. Lots of ‘em.

Conclusion

There’s no getting away from it, the X7 is an imposing bruiser of a car, with a face that only a mother could love. I get the impression these days with high end cars that style and good looks don’t really matter anymore, as the wealthy amongst us will buy pretty much anything with a quality badge. Take the Rolls Royce Cullinan for example, it’s ugly, however RR can’t make enough of them, so they must be doing something right...right?

The 50d with it’s 400bhp reminds me of the Supercharged full fat Range Rover; by god it was fun to drive. However, you can’t really enjoy it to the full on UK roads as you just end up accelerating, then braking...and repeat. I reckon the 30d X7 is a much more usable option, and it won’t tempt you to break speed limits either. Having said all of that, the 50d isn’t that much worse on fuel, but is it worth that £15k more?

As long as you come to terms with its looks, the X7 is probably the finest 7-seat, on-road SUV that you can buy, it is that good.

The X7 range begins at £70,130 for the 30d,! and climbs to £72,130 for the 40i petrol and topping £85,215 for the 50d.