The 2019 BMW X7 Is the Biggest Bimmer SUV Ever
A new full-size BMW SUV has seemed like an inevitability for more than a decade. Now, the new X7 is finally making its debut in its final production form after having been previewed in concept form last year. The X7 slots in above the X5 in nearly every measurement, and its size is its chief virtue, as it promises better third-row accommodations and more cargo space-along with a higher luxury quotient to go with its larger price tag.
Riding on a stretched version of the X5's rear-wheel-drive-based platform, the X7 is 9.0 inches longer overall with a 5.1-inch greater wheelbase, and it's also a few inches taller than its little brother. That makes the X7 slightly bigger than its chief rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class. Like the Benz, the BMW seats seven occupants with a standard three-place second-row bench and a two-place third row. Unlike in the GLS-class, though, there is an option for second-row captain's chairs that reduce seating capacity to six-and the X7's individual chairs are quite sumptuous, with power adjustments and plush headrest cushions.
The entirety of the X7's interior, in fact, looks rich, especially in the optional two-tone blue-and-white leather color scheme pictured here. The latest version of BMW's iDrive software is on hand, as is the company's new digital gauge cluster. On the outside, the X7 looks nearly identical to the concept version, with enormous kidney grilles up front and a squared-off greenhouse in the rear that seems purpose-built to maximize third-row headroom.
Two versions of the X7 will be offered in the U.S. at launch, the six-cylinder xDrive40i and the V-8 xDrive50i, both with standard all-wheel drive. The powerplants are identical to the like-named variants of the X5, with the 40i using a turbocharged inline-six with 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque and the 50i powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 boasting 456 ponies and 479 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice. We suspect that a plug-in-hybrid version will become available down the road, too. Both models are rated to tow up to 7500 pounds when equipped with an optional factory hitch.
Adaptive dampers and air springs are standard, and the X7 offers a variety of driving modes that alter the ride height and powertrain tuning and, in Sport mode, can even change the all-wheel-drive system to be more rear biased. BMW is offering a number of chassis performance upgrades, including a Dynamic Handling package that adds an electronically controlled rear differential, rear-wheel steering, and upgraded brakes. Huge 21-inch wheels are standard equipment, and there are optional 22-inchers.
As you'd expect of a range-topping luxury SUV, the X7's price is steep, with the six-cylinder starting at $74,895 and the V-8 opening at $93,595. Buyers are invited to inflate those figures with all manner of extravagant options, such as a Cold Weather package with five-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof with LED lights embedded in it, and a wide range of exterior and interior color and trim combinations.
Officially on sale in March 2019, the X7 will also be available for preorder on BMW's website. By selecting a dealership and putting down a deposit, interested buyers can customize their personal X7 and stake their claim to one of the very first examples of BMW's biggest ever luxury SUV.
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