BMW X7 xDrive40i (A) First Drive Review

The BMW X7 is the brand's biggest, grandest and, when it was first launched in 2019, most high-tech SUV.

Except now, it sort of no longer is. It's still the biggest, but with the launch of the all-electric iX, no longer quite the most high-tech. Grandness? That's a matter of taste, I suppose.

So, of course, in its mid-cycle facelift, it has been appropriately upgraded to top-spec once again. I got the chance to take it for a spin in Palm Springs, U.S.A, to see what it feels like in 2022.

What's changed?

Let's first talk about what's changed (spoiler alert: not that much). It still looks identifiably like an X7: it's absolutely massive. There's no overlooking the sheer size of the thing - it's got stature, no doubt, but it is big. Maybe not quite as evident on the wide, relatively empty roads around here, but in dense Singapore it is a gigantic SUV.

The obvious change is the head lights. There is now a split head light design, same as you'd find on the new 7 Series and i7. This helps to unify the overall design language across these '7' models. It gives the car a squintier yet more aggressive look.

Inside, you now get the Curved Display that's steadily making its way from the iX into the rest of the BMW range. It also runs Operating System 8, so the X7 is now equally tech-ed up as the other top-tier BMWs.

Till now, even with the multiple BMWs I've driven, Operating System 8 still takes a little learning. Because of the density of content available, nothing is ever quite 'just there'. I suppose, if you own such a BMW and have had time to learn the system and set up your favourite and most frequently accessed functions, it shouldn't be an issue. But considering the hop-in hop-out nature of these test drives, I still find it less intuitive than it could be.

Other changes include a redesigned console with slimmer air-con vents, as well as an ambient light bar that adds a touch of fancy customisation to the cabin. For Singapore, the X7 also comes standard with a host of features like five-zone automatic climate control, panoramic glass sunroof with aluminium satinated roof rails, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, comfort seats for the driver and front passenger with active seat ventilation and massage function, so this is as fully featured seven-seater SUV as you could really need.

Under the hood

This here is the xDrive40i variant that Singapore is getting. There's a more muscular M60i variant, but Singapore won't be getting it.

It's not like you're just making do with this one, though. With 376bhp and 540Nm of torque, there's still plenty of poke (actually a bit more than before) - acceleration is smooth and quite effortless, and consequently you don't quite feel the sheer size of the vehicle.

Power comes from an updated 3.0-litre in-lin six engine, which now also benefits from a 48V mild-hybrid system. You do get a little bit of electric boost, but the system is primarily there to improve refinement and efficiency. Refinement? It does. Engine start/stop is seamless. At idle the car is perfectly still. Efficiency? We'll have to properly test it in Singapore to determine.

The X7 still excels at sheer comfort. Adaptive air suspension come as standard, and our test car came further optioned with the Executive Drive Pro package, which adds rear wheel steering and Active Roll Stabilisation. The car soaks up bumps with ease (even considering the not great condition of the roads here), as as a result you just cruise along with unflappable comfort.

Up to date

The facelifted X7 hasn't been fundamentally changed. Design and equipment updates, as well some enhancements to the drivetrain and suspension, help to bring this car up to 2022 spec.

As a fully featured seven-seater luxury SUV, the X7 scores high on quality, comfort and functionality. The vault-like refinement and luxury is a distinct taste aimed at a distinct crowd.

It's a lot of car, and I suppose my opinion of it hasn't fundamentally changed since 2019 - it's too much car for my personal taste (I daily a motorbike so passenger and luggage space is the least of my concerns), but I still can't really find fault with it in any way.

For those that want (need??) that size and space, there's precious little to complain about. The X7 is still such an accomplished and luxurious full-size SUV, made better in 2022.