BMW has unveiled a mid-life facelift for its flagship SUV, the X7. The updates encompass extensive styling changes on the outside, powertrain upgrades under the hood, and new tech features within the luxurious cabin. This allows the X7 to retain its status as BMW’s premier luxury SUV offering.
The most obvious change is the bolder and more controversial front fascia, with an oversized kidney grille now standard across the lineup. Alongside new split LED headlamps and a sculpted bumper, the X7’s front profile looks significantly sharper and more imposing. At the rear, slender new LED tail lamps provide visual width. Overall, the styling revisions give the X7 a distinctive look that stands out in the crowded luxury SUV space.
Engine and Performance
BMW has comprehensively updated the diesel engine available on the X7. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit has been reworked from the ground up, now producing 352hp and 700Nm of torque. This provides noticeably stronger acceleration while retaining the diesel’s hallmark efficiency and effortless cruising ability. The engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox that provides smooth, quick shifts.
The plug-in hybrid X7 xDrive50i also sees big changes, with its battery pack increased in size from 12kWh to 24kWh. This allows an electric-only driving range of up to 80km, reducing fuel costs and emissions. The combined output remains 489hp and 700Nm, enabling rapid acceleration in hybrid mode.
Ride and Handling
Despite being a massive SUV nearly 5 meters long and weighing 2.5 tonnes, the X7 handles securely and maintains comfort thanks to adaptive air suspension. It feels stable and planted at higher speeds, while also absorbing imperfections effectively. The four-wheel steering system and adjustable dampers make the X7 feel surprisingly nimble for its size around corners. The steering provides decent feedback but lacks a feel overall.
Interior and Features
BMW has left the cabin largely unchanged, as it was already one of the X7’s strong points. High-quality materials, excellent build quality and meticulous attention to detail come together to deliver a luxurious, modern and tech-laden interior. There is ample space, including an optional third row of seats. The new infotainment system runs BMW’s latest iDrive 8 software, packaged into a curved display with twin 12.3-inch screens. The digital driver’s display is also 12.3 inches across. BMW has packed in an extensive suite of comfort and connectivity features.
Verdict
The updates to the X7 make it an even more compelling choice in the ultra-luxury SUV segment. The bolder styling allows it to stand out, while powertrain upgrades elevate performance. The interior remains excellent, and new tech features bring it up to date. Ride, handling and comfort are hard to fault. The high asking price will limit its appeal, but for those seeking indulgence, prestige and road presence, the new X7 confidently leads BMW’s SUV lineup. It faces tough competition from the Mercedes GLS, Audi Q7 and Range Rover, but the X7 proves BMW is not holding back with its flagship model.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q.1 What are the key changes in the BMW X7 facelift?
Ans. The BMW X7 facelift features a number of exterior and interior updates, including A new, more aggressive front fascia with a larger grille and split headlights, A revised rear bumper with new taillight design, New interior trim options and upholstery colors, An updated infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display, New driver assistance features
Q.2 What engine options are available in the BMW X7 facelift?
Ans. The BMW X7 facelift is available with a choice of two turbocharged engines: A 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, A 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.
Q.3 What is the fuel economy of the BMW X7 facelift?
Ans. The BMW X7 facelift with the inline-six engine is estimated to get 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The V8-powered X7 is estimated to get 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Q.4 How much cargo space does the BMW X7 facelift have?
Ans. The BMW X7 facelift has 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 90.2 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.
Q.5 What are the prices of the BMW X7 facelift?
Ans. The BMW X7 facelift starts at $82,895 for the xDrive40i model and $103,995 for the xDrive50i model.