BMW has thrown a new coat of paint at its flagship three-row SUV, both in literal and figurative senses. Literally, the automaker had purged five exterior colors from the 2023 BMW X7 lineup but added five new ones (two blues and three grays, if you were wondering). But BMW marks the first-generation X7's midway point figuratively with a fresh dose of more power for its six-cylinder engine, a rebuilt V8 engine (yet with the same power as before), a significant in-car tech overhaul, and a subtle update to the X7's otherwise bold face.
A new electrical assist system is added to both of the X7's six- and eight-cylinder engines, although the six-cylinder benefits most. It gains 40 horsepower for a total of 375 hp and about 15% more low-end torque. The V8 is built from entirely new components, according to BMW, yet makes the same power as the outgoing engine. At 523 hp, it feels like plenty, though the six-cylinder engine is no slouch either. The new X7 also features a sophisticated air suspension and anti-roll functions that give it a sure-footedness uncommon in its class. That helps it handle better than most rivals, with more controlled body motions around corners.
Up front, the X7 features restyled headlights, with LED intensity packed into a narrower real estate. The oversized kidney grille remains a love-it-or-leave-it proposition, but assuming you love it, now you have the option to illuminate it with multiple tiny LED accents. Inside the cabin, two separate high-definition dash displays seamlessly join into one expansive curved widescreen, incorporating both digital driver instruments and the X7's infotainment nerve center. It's a truly impressive unit, among the best in the business, and its curvature encourages the passenger to take control of functions such as navigation that might otherwise distract a driver.
The cumulative changes give the X7 an edge in a competitive class of large luxury SUVs. We're still partial to the X7's main rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLS since it better embodies the space and luxury most buyers seek. And others like the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade outmatch the X7 in cargo space and towing capacity. But if you prefer a big SUV that can still handle corners at high speed, the refreshed 2023 X7 is one of your best bets. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for a full report.
The M60i offers remarkable performance, with a rowdy V8 that moves the big SUV with total authority and sings a glorious song along the way. But it's a commitment, both in the price on the contract and at the pump. We'd stick with the well-equipped xDrive40i. The additional power for this year's six-cylinder makes it more potent, and you can add many of the M60i's features as options. You'll certainly want to consider the Driving Assistance Professional package as it bundles a variety of advanced driver aids.