2026 BMW X7

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In our testing, the X7 xDrive40i accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, hugely impressive for a luxury three-row SUV with a six-cylinder engine. By comparison, the V8-powered Cadillac Escalade is 1.6 seconds slower. With plenty of power on tap, the X7 surges forward effortlessly from any speed.

The X7 is also reasonably athletic for such a big car, and electronic wizardry abounds to maintain a comfortable ride. The optional Dynamic Handling package includes a camera that scans the road for imperfections and adjusts suspension damping in milliseconds for the smoothest ride possible. It almost works too well, as we found the ride too floaty and disconnected at times, especially in Comfort mode setting. Switching to Sport mode settles the ride nicely without compromising overall comfort.

Outward visibility is better than in many large SUVs, enhanced by large sail windows and big mirrors. Several standard safety aids also help with confident maneuvering, although some common features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system remain optional. The safety features work well, but we found it tricky to set an ideal cruise control following distance.

The EPA estimates that the X7 xDrive40i achieves fuel economy of 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's near or at the top of the luxury three-row SUV class, but some hybrid-powered rivals offer better fuel economy.

From its excellent seats to its vault-like interior silence, the X7 is exceptionally comfortable. Large doors make it easy to enter and exit, and there's abundant space in the first and second rows. The third row is a little tighter, but some negotiation with second-row passengers can make everything work. Taller passengers may notice slightly less headroom due to the sloping roofline. Outside noise is absent except for the six-cylinder's pleasant growl under heavy acceleration. BMW also makes some of the best high-end seats in the business, and the adjustable upper backrest makes it a cinch to find a perfect driving position. Loading car seats is also a breeze thanks to the ample space and easily accessible LATCH anchors and tethers.

The only real downside is the climate system, with its small air vents and weak automatic setting. Dialing in good heating and cooling requires more fine-tuning through clumsy touchscreen-based controls buried under menu layers. Physical buttons would go a long way here.

The X7 offers 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.6 cubic feet behind the second, and a maximum 90.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. That's competitive with its main rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLS, but short of big American luxe SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

The X7's split tailgate helps prevent items from sliding out of the back if you're parked on a driveway incline, a thoughtful touch. There's also a button to lower the air suspension if you're loading an especially heavy item. All doors offer sizable pockets, along with cupholders in each row. The front cupholders are even heated and cooled, another neat touch not found in non-luxury SUVs.

The X7's robust tech offerings include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports in every row (plus one older USB-A up front), and a seriously expensive Bowers & Wilkins system that will impress even the most hardened audiophile.

BMW's voice-activated virtual assistant is also a cut above most voice control systems in its responsiveness and ability to change things like the climate control settings. We took some issue with the integrated navigation system, though, including its busy map display and the way the system doesn't provide an initial bearing to a destination. It can be difficult to know whether the destination is in front, behind, or 2 miles off your intended path.

The X7's interior features copious leather and wood finishings, plus party tricks like glass controls and an illuminated panoramic sunroof. We especially liked our test model's Sparkling Copper Metallic paint, which seems like a misnomer at first. From a distance, it looks pastel blue/gray, but on closer inspection (and in direct sunlight) you can see the gold/copper undertones. Very cool. Pricing for the X7 is average for the class. The X7 doesn't set new standards, but it does offer solid value for the money.