BMW X7 adds horsepower, tech upgrades

BMW's top-of-the-line crossover gets a freshening that includes more power, sportier design and upgraded tech.

The refreshed BMW X7 goes into production in August and arrives at European and U.S. dealerships in the third quarter. It starts at 95,400 euros in Germany and $78,845, including shipping, in the U.S.

The X7 receives an updated front end -- plus a new-look M Sport package, 23-inch light-alloy wheels and curved display screen.

The three-row utility vehicle with room for seven occupants competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7 and Land Rover Range Rover.

The X7 should add incremental sales for BMW as consumers continue to migrate from cars to crossovers and SUVs.

Europe's premium large SUV segment grew 2.5 percent in 2021 to 269,631, according to figures from Dataforce. The X7, which suffered a 6.5 sales decline last year to 5,254 units, ranked No. 15 in the segment.

Meanwhile, the U.S. large premium crossover segment has grown in each of the last three years, including a 3 percent increase in 2021, according to the Automotive News Research & Data Center.

Competitors in the high-end seven-passenger market are few, but they fight fiercely for every buyer, noted Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions.

"These are families with very high incomes who spend considerable money on their vehicles," Fiorani said. "At this price point, happy families are easier to keep in the showroom year after year than winning conquest sales from a rival brand."

The U.S.-made BMW X7 is available with three engines in its home market, two gasoline powerplants and one diesel, and features the latest 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

The latest X7 introduces a split headlight design -- what the brand calls a first for any BMW model. The two LED units mounted high on either side of the front end shine out of the narrow glass covers as daytime driving lights. The lights also function as turn signal indicators.

Two other LED units generate the low-beam headlights in separate modules below the daytime driving lights. The dark housing and deep-set position in the front fascia give the modules the impression of retreating into the background and only coming to the fore when activated.

The front-end design also updates BMW's signature kidney grille. The illuminated grille is optional on the X7 xDrive40i. The lighting is activated when one of the doors is opened and can be switched on or off manually.

The slim L-shaped rear light strips double as brake lights. The chrome bar connecting the two light units is enclosed in a glass cover.

The X7 dashboard is anchored by a free-standing curved display combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the center 14.9-inch control display to form a single unit angled toward the driver.