Crossover BMW X7. First generation, restyling 2022

Moving forward…

The interior of the 2023 BMW X7 remains cramped among full-size luxury three-row SUVs, but BMW’s changes overall have made it a lot nicer. Handling and ride quality are improved with a retuned (and standard) air suspension, adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering (standard on the M60, optional on the xDrive40i), as well as a pair of new engines that replace last year’s turbocharged I-6 and V-twin with twin turbo. The top-selling six-cylinder X7 retains its xDrive40i moniker, while the V-8 gets the new xDrive M60 badge.

During our trip to BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the company manufactures its X-badged SUV models for America and other global markets, we spent most of our time in the xDrive40i. The low revs of the 523-horsepower M60 confirmed just how powerful the I-6 engine is. The six-cylinder engine itself isn’t new, but it’s new to the X7 and runs on a Miller combustion cycle to reduce fuel consumption, in addition to a sporty 48-volt mild-hybrid booster. He gives out 40 hp. more than the inline-six it replaces, bringing its total output to 375 hp. and 539 Nm of torque. Most X7s are equipped in this way, and now they are rushing forward with pleasure and great power for family duties (and not only forward, parents can have some fun by pressing the gas pedal). BMW claims that the new six-cylinder X7 accelerates 0.5 seconds faster to 100 km/h, reaching this speed in 5.8 seconds. As always, the BMW drivetrain polish is superb, with the I-6 emitting a muffled but pleasant growl and barely vibrating, and pairing nicely with the retuned eight-speed automatic transmission.

The M60’s 4.4-liter V-8 engine is also new, but produces the same 523 hp. and 749 Nm of torque, the same as the old X7 M50i engine. The previously available X7 xDrive50i with a lower power V-8 is disappearing from the lineup. For an M60 owner, there has to be a good reason for that much power before spending money on it, though the car also comes with plenty of M performance features and a stiffer suspension setup. Oh, and the grilles on the nose light up. Both the I-6 and V-8 are complemented by a 48-volt hybrid setup that includes a 12-horsepower electric motor with 200 Nm of torque, located between the engine and transmission. This not only increases torque at low engine speeds, but also provides smooth engine stops and starts to save fuel when stationary. Incidentally, both engines are more efficient than the ones they replace, boosting fuel economy figures across the board.

BMW is proud of the new 23-inch rims, the brand’s first such rim size, and although we’ve probably ditched them. The xDrive40i we did most of the test drive with had large 23 rims and aside from some tire hitting the bellows and increased tire noise in general, they didn’t seem to have much of an effect on the ride, which was more comfortable and better insulated than before.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Machine advantages

• Stylish, modern appearance;
• Large (adjustable ride height;
• There is adaptive lighting, as well as optional laser headlights that illuminate the road at a distance of up to 600 meters;
• Good aerodynamics;
• Massive wheels;
• A roof with a panoramic view;
• Large, spacious tailgate (has an electric drive for two parts);
• Comfortable, functional and practical interior;
• There is plenty of free space inside;
• Comfortable seats with a huge number of options;
• Modern digital dashboard;
• The center console has a huge 12.3-inch touch screen;
• High build quality;
• Exquisite finishing materials;
• There is a 5-zone climate control;
• Before entering the car, the owner is greeted with a light road (Welcome Light Carpet), which illuminates the space in front of the SUV doors when getting on and off;
• Pleasant and stylish interior lighting (Ambient light);
• Crafted Clarity glass trim, made from the thinnest, highest quality crystalline glass (applied to shift knob and other controls);
• High quality seat upholstery;
• High level of security;
• A large number of various electronic assistants and technologies designed to facilitate the work of the driver;
• Powerful power units;
• Smooth and fast gearbox;
• Adaptive air suspension front and rear axle;
• Large luggage compartment (if you fold the 3rd row of seats);
• Entertainment system for passengers sitting behind;
• Excellent handling;
• Four-wheel drive is already in the basic version;
• Rich even basic equipment;
• Premium music.

Security and comfort systems

Following the characteristics, small changes took place in the electronic systems of the BMW X7 2022. For example, the emergency braking system was taught to recognize pedestrians, cyclists, as well as cars going towards traffic. The automatic parking system was expanded by teaching it to remember the last 200 meters of the distance traveled. Previously, the system could only remember 50 meters. Other systems on board the new 2023 BMW X7 include:

• full package of airbags;
• matrix front optics;
• LED feet;
• automatic parking system;
• circular review;
• recognition of pedestrians and cyclists;
• 5-zone climate control;
• Bowers & Wilkins audio system;
• additional displays for the second and third row of seats;
• navigation system;
• remote control of the car using a smartphone;
• projection display;
• modern satellite signaling;
• sun blinds;
• 5G mobile communication and Wi-Fi hotspot;
• adaptive cruise control;
• driver fatigue monitoring;
• follow me home system.

This is the minimum list of what the buyer will be offered in the new BMW X7 2023. As the systems appear and develop, the manufacturer will introduce them on board the SUV. It is possible that new systems will work at the expense of existing ones, and in fact it will only be modified software. The owner of the BMW X7 will not need to go to a service center, it is enough to select and pay for the necessary system through multimedia and load it on board the SUV.

Speaking in general about the new BMW X7 2023-2024, although the car received minimal improvements, they are very noticeable. Judging from everything, it is the design of the front end that will serve as the basis for other, new generations and models of the company in the future. Most likely, this is how future BMW cars will look like in front. It remains only to wait for the official start of sales of the new BMW X7 in order to fully understand what else this restyling can please the buyer.

Video review of the new BMW X7 2024:

Other photos of the BMW X7 2023:

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