BMW X7 - TopCarNews

BMW X7 (2017 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The BMW X7 is a large SUV model that was unveiled in late 2018 before going on sale in the UK in early 2019. It is a new addition to the range that sits above the X5 in the BMW SUV family, and is a rival for luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover.

The X7 has received consistently good scores from the UK motoring media in the first few months since it was launched, although many of these reviews took place at the European launch rather than in the UK. We will keep updating our results as more reviews on local roads are published.

The BMW X7 has received praise for its driving dynamics, refinement and the quality of its engineering. However, it has been widely criticised for its heavy-handed styling and for feeling very little different to the significantly cheaper X5.

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUVEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £77,710 on-road

Launched: Spring 2019Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: (range review)“BMW knows how to build a good and proper SUV, and it’s showcased that in the X7. It’s presented a genuine Range Rover alternative that undercuts its British rival just enough on price to be noteworthy, while presenting a more engaging driving experience and some actual off-road ability too.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The X7 is BMW’s flagship – large, luxurious and filled with the latest technology. A range of powerful engines are offered and while it’s not the cheapest to run, the X7 drives far better than you’d expect for a car of its considerable size and weight.”
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Model reviewed: M50iScore: 7 / 10“The BMW X7 M50i feels utterly indomitable on the road. It is stuffed with excessive luxury and power, and has an exquisite interior with room for seven adults. It’s a compelling and more practical Range Rover alternative, but it’s not as fun as you’d expect given the M engine and badging.”
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Model reviewed: xDive30d M SportScore: 8 / 10“It’s a high-quality, highly refined and spacious package that rides and handles relatively sweetly.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“The first-ever BMW X7 won’t worry Range Rover’s marketing team all that much, but that doesn’t stop it being a seriously accomplished luxury SUV. It’s huge inside and out, excelling as a luxury limo and posh family bus in equal measure.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X7 makes for a compelling alternative to traditional luxury cars, mixing a high-quality cabin with lots of technology and seating for up to seven adults. It drives well for such a big SUV, but its key selling point is the spacious, flexible and well-appointed interior.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X7’s long-distance manners are impeccable, its cabin is spacious and comfortable, the handling inspires surprising confidence and, equipped with a subdued but powerful cross-plane V8 engine, overall the car is an unexpectedly likeable companion.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive 30d M SportScore: 8 / 10“Despite its vastness, it’s actually a car that’s relatively easy to place on tighter stretches of Tarmac.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“For a car that’s easy to dislike on account of its sheer bulk and those frankly monstrous kidney grilles, there’s a lot to enjoy once you’re aboard the BMW X7, and its mix of luxurious refinement, seven-seat versatility and dynamic ability is unmatched by any rivals for comparable money.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“For a car that’s easy to dislike on account of its sheer bulk and those frankly monstrous kidney grilles, there’s actually a lot to enjoy once you’re aboard the BMW X7, and there’s no doubt its mix of luxurious refinement, seven-seat versatility and dynamic ability is unmatched by any rivals for comparable money.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic 40iScore: 9 / 10“With the 19 years of experience behind it, BMW is more than capable of building an accomplished luxury SUV, and the X7 is proof of that. Cheaper and as well built as its main Range Rover rival, the X7 can be a great alternative to the established British luxury model.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.2 / 10“The BMW X7 is a huge SUV that feels like a high-riding limousine, showcasing the manufacturer’s latest technology.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X7 offers raised luxury for seven people and is also great to drive, but not everybody will be fond of its styling and it looks expensive next to its alternatives.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: xDrive30d M Sport“Impressive at what it does, but it’s a big beast at a high price with the looks that many may find challenging, especially the brash front end.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: M50dScore: 5 / 10“The BMW X7 powers in with big space and big numbers, but more than ever feels like a needless excess that lacks sophistication.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7 / 10“More than just an X5 XL, the X7 adds luxury, a little more space and a satisfying driving experience.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: xDrive30d M Sport“If you want something that can genuinely do it all, the BMW X7 is an easy car to recommend.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X7’s cabin really does live up to being an SUV version of the 7 Series, as it matches, if not exceeds, what buyers can expect from that luxury saloon. Materials and switchgear all feel very premium and the whole interior is beautifully finished, though not particularly distinct compared with other BMW models.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8.4 / 10“BMW successfully takes its X off-roader line-up into Range Rover territory”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range review“Apparently, BMW had to make a whole new badge for the X7 because the grille is so big, but then everything about this car is super-sized.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive40d M SportScore: 8 / 10“Ostentatious and oversized, or epitome of class and taste? Whatever you think of the looks, you can’t deny this beast’s breathtaking ability. So if you are in need of a gigantic seven-seater with luxury in spades, the X7 deserves your attention. Just try not to focus for too long on the grille.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Another superbly engineered and executed product from Munich, but a bit too much like being in a bigger, better-trimmed and better-equipped X1.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Big, bold, practical and comfortable with a luxurious interior – the BMW X7 is a worthy addition to the German manufacturer’s lineup and the luxury SUV class.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: (range review)“Despite its generous size and weight, the BMW X7 manages a degree of poise and agility on the road that rivals such as the Range Rover and Audi Q7 can’t quite match.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The BMW X7 has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. Based on its price and limited expected sales, we don’t expect it to ever be assessed.

Eco rating

Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The BMW X7 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

Security rating

Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Pass

Date: 2019

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW X7 has received

2021

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV for Big Families

2020

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV over £70K

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Keyword: BMW X7