Impressive nip and tuck
For a while, if you wanted the biggest luxury BMW, you bought a 7-series. This all changed when BMW launched the X7. Ben Selby reports.
Those after the luxo-express titan of the BMW world have lapped it up in recent years, with the X7 outselling the 7-series considerably. For 2023, the X7 has been given a few upgrades and a stylistic nip and tuck.
On the styling front, the biggest change is the inclusion of BMW’s much larger rendition of their iconic kidney grill, one which has proved a divisive styling addition amongst the faithful. This is coupled with slimmer looking LED headlights and daytime running lights. There is a new taillight cluster and a set of simply staggering looking 23-inch alloys.
The range consists of two models, the X7 xDrive 40d, my test car, and X7 M60i with the former, starting at $177,700. Power is courtesy of a 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel engine with 259kW/720Nm mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with xDrive AWD.
The interior is very plush and exceedingly well made. The X7 xDrive 40d comes standard will all manner of kit you would expect in this class. This particular X7 featured the optional Luxury and M-Sport packages. The former package threw in features like heated and ventilated massaging front seats, sky lounge panorama glass roof and BMW gesture control to name a few, while the latter gives you lots of M-Sport goodies like a sports exhaust system, brakes and a chunky feeling M-Sport steering wheel.
The X7 is a full seven-seater, and you can drop the third and second rows by the press of a few buttons in the boot. Plus, the X7’s air suspension which drops the rear down makes loading and unloading a doddle. 
At 5200mm long and 2000mm wide, the X7 xDrive 40d requires your full attention when negotiating tight spaces. Sure, you have an epic 3D 360-degree camera and sensors all around to make it easier, but it was still an effort to navigate The Crossing multi-story carpark after some light shopping during the Ballantynes sale. That said, this new X7 is a seriously capable performer.
The smoothness in which it puts the power down is remarkable, as is that gargantuan amount of torque. The addition of that 48v mild hybrid system can provide you with a snippet of extra power and torque when you need it, all while giving you one of the most comfortable and sumptuous rides around. 
Switch over from Comfort to Sport, or even Sport Plus should you want to dial up to 11, and despite its high riding stance, the X7 xDrive 40d even stops and corners extremely well. It’s not a point-and-shoot back road weapon, yet it is still mighty impressive.
It’s not cheap, but in terms of a driver’s luxury SUV, the new X7 is very good.
A luxo-express indeed.
FACT FILE
2023 BMW X7 xDrive 40d
Price: $177,700
Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo Six Cylinder
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Drivetrain: All-Wheel-Drive
Power: 259kW
Torque: 750Nm
Zero to 100km/h: 5.8 seconds
Fuel Consumption: 8.0L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 230g/km
Weight: 2490kg
Wheels: 23-inch Alloys
Boot Space: 326L (Third Seat Row Up) 750L (Third Seat Row Down) 2120L (Third and Second Seat Row Down)
