BMWX7 a bigger, better SUV choice
“HERD MENTALITY” By JOHN-CLARK LEVIN
ACROSS
Big. Beautiful. First-class. We’ve driven many sevenpassenger SUVs lately, including the Cadillac XT6, Volvo XC90, and Lexus GX460, but the mack-daddy in sport utility — or should we say sport activity? — is the behemoth, the BMWX7.
Think about a 7-series sedan but in sport utility form, delivering large, comfy luxury, a huge engine and tons of cargo space.
Produced in BMW’s Greenville- Spartanburg, S.C., plant, where the X-series
SAVs are built, the X-family finally gains a seven-passenger vehicle that tops the charts in so many categories.
A recent test of the BMW M850i confirmed that BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” mantra is just that — vehicles specifically designed around the driver, where driving is a pleasure. On the X7, BMW continues to deliver that feeling. The X7 is quiet, comfortable, roomy, powerful, and good-looking. Are they missing anything in a vehicle?
A substantially larger kidney- shaped grille and boisterous LED laser-light headlights grace the X7, which handily out-competes against the Range Rover
Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLS550.
The ride is beyond heavenly. The 5,950-pound monster has an unbelievable, cloud-like suspension that is akin to sitting on your couch. Tire sizes for the X7 are 295/40R22 on the front and 315/35/22 on the rear. It is so smooth, I challenge you to find something that rides better, because this tops the list for me.
Second-row power captain’s chairs were only an $850 option on our X7-M50i tester, and they were glorious. Even the third row provided plenty of room for additional people as well as excellent cargo space, coming in at 48.6 cubic ft. — and 90.4 cubic ft. with all the seats folded.
Powering the X7 is our favorite V8, the 4.4L twinturbo M Performance 32-valve DOHC VVC, granting an astounding 523 hp and plenty of torque thrust at 553 lb.-ft. The smooth and transition-less eightspeed automatic is superb and a great combination for the 4.4L V8, while all-wheeldrive is also standard.
Accoutrements for the interior are grandish with an upgraded leather dash, luxurious wood trim, crystal “M” performance shifter and excellently designed rear hatch, offering a 70/30 split. Finally, you already know we love the 3 year/36,000 mile BMWUltimate Care, a threeyear maintenance program included in your purchase price.
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