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.
A facelift for the X7 arrived in summer 2022, which brought revised styling and upgraded engines, along with BMW’s latest interior infotainment screens.
As of February 2024, the BMW X7 has a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56%. Its used car rating is even worse, rated E with a score of 51%. This is largely due to its hefty price tag and eye-watering running costs.
X7 highlights
- Quiet and comfortable
- Spacious and practical high-quality interior
- Class-leading infotainment
- Refined driving experience
X7 lowlights
- Polarising front-end styling
- Very bulky
- Rivals are cheaper
- Expensive options list
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £88,145 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Summer 2022
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests 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 overview (facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“As big and bold as ever, the BMW X7 surprises with a certain finesse to its driving experience matched to superb build quality and lots of kit.” (Jordan Katsianis)
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Model reviewed: M50i
Score: 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 Sport
Score: 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 review
Score: 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 overview (facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“If not especially big on charm the BMW X7 goes large on everything else, this imposing luxury SUV brimming with technology and able to seat seven in impressive comfort.” (Dan Trent)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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: 3.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive40d M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Facelift brings more power and aesthetic updates to large and luxurious BMW X7 SUV.” (Kris Culmer)
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Model reviewed: M60i xdrive
Score: 8 / 10
“Uncompromising-looking BMW X7 is seriously fast but laudably refined.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic xDrive40i (facelift)
“Sophisticated, roomy, comfortable and, by SUV standards, appealing to drive, the BMW X7 xDrive40i remains a compelling proposition and should continue to prove popular. The changes brought to the 2023 model give it a more upmarket air with a greater feeling of luxuriousness, without taking anything away from its impressively smooth and determined dynamic traits.” (Greg Kable)
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Model reviewed: 4.4-litre petrol automatic M60i xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
“As far as big luxury SUVs go, the BMW X7 is quite engaging, with surprisingly sharp actions and well-controlled handling. Yes, there really is a lot to like. We suspect the xDrive40i and xDrive40d will prove wiser buys, but if you want your SUV to have a V8, whether for the performance or the cachet, there’s no reason why it oughtn’t be an M60i.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive 30d M Sport
Score: 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 overview (facelift)
Score: 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 review
Score: 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: Range overview (facelift 2023)
Score: 10 / 10
“The X7 was already an impressive premium SUV, but it’s only improved as part of this latest update. Now getting a more high-tech interior, it retains its focus on outright quality and sheer spaciousness.” (Ted Welford)
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic 40i
Score: 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 overview (facelift)
Score: 8.4 / 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 overview (facelift)
Score: 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: M50d
Score: 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 review
Score: 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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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“Enormous, brash and not one for shrinking violets, the BMW X7 is a car that definitely divides opinion. Most people will be happy with the smaller, cheaper X5, but if you must have the ultimate space and luxury in a BMW SUV it’s a strong choice.”
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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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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW X7 is the antithesis of the compact crossover. It’s an unashamedly big, bold SUV that has much in common with the tech-laden BMW 7 Series.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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 overview (facelift)
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Get past the styling and the BMW X7 is a staggeringly good car. In terms of prestige and opulence it’s just barely edged out by the Range Rover Sport, but the BMW hits back with a better fit and finish, more cutting-edge technology and a sportier driving experience. It’s also more spacious.” (Tom Wiltshire)
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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 Sport
Score: 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 overview (facelift)
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s no getting away from the fact that the X7 is another superbly engineered and executed product. All it lacks is specialness of ambience, a sense that you’re not just in a bigger, better-trimmed and better-equipped X1.” (Greg Potts)
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift)
Score: 10 / 10
“The X7 is everything a big luxury SUV should be. Its huge interior is as practical as it is sumptuous, and it’s comfortable and quiet on the road. What’s more, its style – not to mention its sheer scale – gives it an element of theatre and desirability that few rivals can match.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of January 2024, the BMW X7 has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. Based on its price and limited sales numbers, we don’t expect it to ever be assessed.
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2024, the BMW X7 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the BMW X7 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the X7, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 26 mpg | E | 22 – 28 mpg | E – E |
Diesel models | 36 mpg | D | 31 – 36 mpg | D – E |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 242 g/km | D | 110 – 291 g/km | A – D |
Diesel models | 204 g/km | D | 203 – 235 g/km | D – D |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 50 | F | 50 – 50 | F – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £553 | D |
Year 2 | £1,154 | D |
Year 3 | £1,856 | D |
Year 4 | £2,220 | D |
Year 5 | £2,887 | D |
Overall | £8,670 | D |
The BMW X7 is not a great choice for those looking for an economical vehicle, data exclusively provided by our partner Clear Vehicle Data suggests.
Petrol models have a rather terrible average fuel economy of 26 mpg, and diesel models are markedly more efficient, but still fall below the market standard. This is of no surprise though, considering the SUV’s large size.
The car’s insurance premiums will be very expensive, and the X7 is estimated to be quite expensive to service and maintain over five years of ownership.
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
2024
- What Car? Awards – Best Luxury Car
2021
- What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV for Big Families
2020
- What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV over £70K
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW X7, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Aston Martin DBX | Audi Q7 | Audi Q8 | Bentley Bentayga | BMW XM | Lamborghini Urus | Mercedes-Benz GLS | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover
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