2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Examined: Six Is Sufficient

BMW showrooms are bursting with large, costly SUVs. It was once that the X7—with six-cylinder and V-8 variants—was the undisputed king of the hill, however now there’s additionally the all-electric iX M60 and the M division’s personal XM. With big horsepower and torque numbers, the latter two threaten to overshadow the X7, significantly the six-cylinder base model. However whereas the X7 xDrive40i comes up brief on bragging rights on this nook of the showroom, it nonetheless stands tall within the wider world.

The X7’s inline-six is an efficient one, and for 2023, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter tacks on one other 40 horsepower, bringing the overall to 375. Torque is boosted by 52 lb-ft to 383. A 48-volt hybrid-assist system chips in as properly, pushing internet torque to 398 lb-ft, with the system’s battery replenished by way of brake-energy recuperation.

The three.0-liter six is newly mated to BMW’s Steptronic Sport automated transmission. It has the identical eight ahead speeds as earlier than however provides launch management and a Dash perform. The latter is accessed by pulling the left shift paddle, which makes the gearbox downshift to the bottom attainable gear, prompts the hybrid system’s electrical increase, and switches the powertrain and chassis into their most aggressive drive modes.

In typical driving, this engine is quiet and properly mannered. However rev it previous 4000 rpm or so, and it emits a sporty growl reminding you that, oh yeah, BMW was as soon as recognized for sporty coupes and sedans.

Truly, this X7’s acceleration additionally calls to thoughts BMW’s sporty coupes and sedans. The 4.6-second 60-mph time betters that of the 430i xDrive coupe (5.2 seconds) and the final 540i we examined (4.7 seconds). The SUV’s 13.4-second quarter-mile dash at 102 mph places it inside spitting distance of that very same 540i. In opposition to rival SUVs, the X7 40i is faster than the six-cylinder Mercedes GLS450 and the Audi Q7 with the turbo 3.0-liter V-6. Even so, the xDrive40i nonetheless trails a respectful distance behind its V-8 sibling the X7 M60i, which blazes to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and rips via the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds at 111 mph.

Giving up that final measure of quickness pays dividends for the xDrive40i on the pump. The six-cylinder X7 ratcheted up its EPA numbers by a few notches this yr, and its 21-mpg metropolis and 25-mpg freeway estimates beat the M60i’s numbers by 5 and 4 mpg, respectively. Over 770 miles of driving, we averaged 21 mpg, which compares pretty properly to the 40i’s 22-mpg EPA mixed score.

If the X7 shows athleticism once you give it the stick, then it does so much more once you bend it right into a nook. Our 40i had the optionally available Dynamic Dealing with bundle, and whereas we weren’t enamored with its Integral Lively Steering, the energetic anti-roll bars mix with the usual adaptive air springs to assist maintain this tall and heavy SUV composed via curves, way more so than one may count on given its dimension. Abetted by the optionally available four-wheel steering, the X7 xDrive 40i additionally reveals glorious lateral stability across the skidpad, the place it hangs on with 0.92 g of grip—that completely stomps the Vary Rover Sport (0.81 g), to not point out the racier X7 M60i (0.85 g). Defying its 5545-pound curb weight, this SUV additionally stops from 70 mph in simply 149 toes, outbraking each the M60i (155 toes) and the Audi RS Q8 (158 toes); it additionally stops shorter than the Lamborghini Urus Performante (152 toes).

However perhaps you wish to sit again and simply cruise. Out on the freeway, we had been impressed with the cruise management’s extremely succesful assisted-driving mode, which easily maintains lane place. Extra startlingly, it executes automated lane adjustments (on the driver’s route) which might be assured and brisk moderately than tentative and drawn out, as in most different methods with that functionality.

Journey high quality is just not nice, although, significantly if one strays from Consolation mode. Regardless of the suspension’s road-preview functionality, there’s vital affect harshness over bumps, and we seen some side-to-side jitter on tough pavement surfaces. That is maybe to be anticipated given the huge 23-inch wheels our check automotive was carrying; they seem to be a new choice this yr, however the 21s or 22s could be a better option. The X7 certain is quiet, although. We measured a library-esque 62 decibels at 70 mph, which makes even battery-electric SUVs equivalent to the Rivian R1S (68 decibels) and BMW’s personal iX M60 (65 decibels) appear raucous by comparability.

Your seat for this aural bliss is a snug perch with softer padding than the BMW norm. The X7 would not go full glam just like the iX, although our instance did have the glitzy crystal switches (a part of the $3950 Govt bundle). The X7’s ambient lighting is fancier than earlier than, as there’s now an illuminated badge and surrounding chevron designs on the proper facet of the sprint, which appears a bit a lot. A vegan leather-like upholstery, Sensafin, is normal on the 40i, however ours was slathered within the optionally available prolonged merino leather-based ($1950), together with on the dashboard ($900).

BMW’s curved dual-screen show is one other new addition to the X7 this yr. The central display screen measures 14.9 inches, and though it capabilities as a touchscreen (a swiping movement strikes via the perform tiles), it additionally retains a big rotary controller, which makes shifting among the many screens a snap and is a selected boon for scrolling via satellite tv for pc radio stations. In a much less welcome growth, the local weather controls have migrated to the touchscreen, which is not the most handy spot—one should open the climate-control menu to regulate the fan pace, for example.

Rear-seat area is beneficiant within the second row and tolerable within the third. Our X7 had full energy adjustment of the second-row seat, which meant that shifting the seat ahead to entry the again bench was additionally a powered operation, one which’s a lot slower than a handbook launch.

As within the X5, the cargo maintain is accessed by way of an higher liftgate and drop-down decrease tailgate, each energy operated. Buttons on the rear opening can increase or decrease each rows of rear seats, and one other on the tailgate can decrease the automotive barely to ease cargo loading. Sadly, there’s treasured little area for baggage when all seats are in use—simply 13 cubic toes.

The xDrive40i’s beginning value of $77,845 is a few $25,000 lower than the X7 M60i’s, though our check car, larded with extras, rang in at $96,745. Clearly, there are not any bargains on this nook of the BMW showroom. However the X7 xDrive40i desires for nothing—even subsequent to the ritzier and extra highly effective luxurious SUVs carrying the roundel badge.

Deputy Editor, Opinions and Options

Joe Lorio has been obsessive about vehicles since his Matchbox days, and he obtained his first subscription to Automotive and Driver at age 11. Joe began his profession at Car Journal below David E. Davis Jr., and his work has additionally appeared on web sites together with Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, and TrueCar.