2019 BMW X7 First Drive

Although big luxury SUVs have been around a long time, BMW, for its part, has seemingly been content sticking with its smaller X3 and X5. But that changes with the 2019 BMW X7. It's the largest SUV the German automaker has ever produced. Compared to the current X5, the X7 is about the same width but about 2 inches taller and 9 inches longer. A pair of third-row seats also come standard to accommodate up to seven passengers.

For three-row SUV shoppers, it's an intriguing new option. But is a bigger BMW a better BMW?

Xtravagance
The 2019 BMW X7 is on sale in two trim levels that are distinguished by engine choices. The X7 xDrive40i starts at $74,895 (including destination) and features a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. In addition to the typical luxury SUV features, the X7 xDrive40i comes with a power two-section liftgate, an air suspension, simulated leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, and the usual advanced safety features.

Stepping up to the X7 xDrive50i will set you back $93,595 and get you a 456-hp turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. Standard upgrades include leather upholstery, multicontour front seats, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, an automated parallel parking system, a surround-view camera system, and a Harman Kardon sound system. These are available on the xDrive40i as options.

Both trim levels are eligible for either the base chrome-laden Luxury design or the M Sport design that blacks out the shiny bits and adds some aggressive body elements. Option packages will add some creature comforts, interior heating, handling and off-road ability. Other stand-alone add-ons include ventilated front seats with massage functions, a rear entertainment system, and a trailer hitch receiver with a 7,500-pound tow limit.

Xhibitionist
Depending on paint color, your aesthetics, and the choice of Luxury or M Sport designs, the 2019 BMW X7's styling can shift from elegant to aggressive to awkward. The most prominent element is the signature twin-kidney grille, which BMW points out as its largest ever. We tend to think this glitzy schnoz is too big, but perhaps we'll warm up to it with more time and familiarity.

More broadly, the X7 has a substantial presence without appearing overscaled like an Escalade or Navigator. Even with huge expanses of sheet metal, it avoids looking too heavy thanks to some subtle sculpting and large windows. The back of the SUV is far less awkward, with styling cues pulled from the 7 Series sedan. The chrome strip joining the taillights and more complex surfacing shave off a lot of visual weight.

Xpected Confidence
We drove both X7 versions in a variety of conditions. The xDrive50i accelerates effortlessly and is accompanied by a subtle V8 growl. BMW estimates it will reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The xDrive40i trails by only 0.6 second. Gear changes are quick and smooth regardless of engine, and there's an abundance of grip on wet pavement. The brake pedal is appropriately soft and is easy to modulate for smooth stops. When called upon for more aggressive deceleration, the M Sport brakes keep the X7 composed and controllable.

There's a distinct feeling that you're seated higher than the X5, but it's not off-putting since body roll is well-managed to minimize jostling. We didn't have an opportunity to tackle any challenging curvy roads, so we'll have to wait to fully evaluate the X7's ability to be an Ultimate Driving Machine. But for most three-row SUV shoppers, sporty handling likely isn't a priority.

Whether you opt for the optional active suspension with road scanning, the X7 makes bumps, dips and undulations largely insignificant. From the driver's seat, you have excellent forward visibility. But the exterior mirrors are rather small, and the rear window isn't as expansive as the other glass surrounding the cabin. You still get a good sense of your surroundings, however, and the surround-view camera and myriad sensors aid in maneuvering tight spots.

Road noise is more noticeable than expected and can be intrusive on very coarse asphalt. On smooth surfaces, the X7 is as quiet as a crypt with no hint of wind noise. We did notice that at highway speeds the steering requires more effort than necessary and is too sensitive. For a driver, that means you'll be busy trying to keep the car centered in its lane and fatigue will set in earlier. The lane keeping assist system tends to exacerbate the issue further.

LuXurious
Getting into the X7 requires the step up expected of larger SUVs. The running boards that help smaller passengers get in tend to collect dirt, which can then dirty up lower pant legs. The longer rear doors (compared to the X5's) provide a larger space to get past the middle row and into the third-row seating area, but they also might impede access while in narrow parking spots. The second row slides and tilts forward under its own power, but it takes about 10 seconds, which might seem interminably long in the pouring rain.

Once inside, this SUV lives up to its flagship status. Like the 7 Series sedan, it has a similar horizontal design, lavish use of fine leather and pleasing stitching. We're particularly fond of the available two-tone Ivory White/Night Blue upholstery palette. The standard faceted glass shifter seems a little desperate for attention, though.

It's easy to adjust the multicontour front seats to your liking, while the available ventilation and massage functions make a long road trip seem much shorter. The second-row captain's chairs lack the numerous adjustments of the front seats, but they are comfortable and spacious nonetheless. The third-row seats are decidedly less accommodating for adults but adequate for smaller occupants. A smaller dedicated sunroof and large side windows make the third-row seat feel less confining.

Behind the third row is enough space for two rolling carry-on suitcases but not much else. The seatbacks slowly fold flat at the touch of a button to provide 48.6 cubic feet of storage. With the second row stowed, the maximum capacity tops out at 90.4 cubic feet, which is generous among rivals. As a bonus, the lower section of the liftgate deploys independently, offering a nice place to sit for tailgating as well as facilitating the loading of bulky cargo.

Well Xecuted
Determining if bigger is better with the 2019 BMW X7 will depend mostly on how you'll use it. If you plan on routinely transporting more than four passengers, the X7 beats the X5 with its larger third-row accommodations. Its interior also represents a significant step up, helping to justify its price premium. Compared to other large luxury SUVs, the X7 enjoys several advantages. It's more spacious inside than the Audi Q7, and it boasts a fresher design than the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Both of these advantages also apply when the X7 is compared to the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

For these reasons, the 2019 BMW X7 gets an approving nod from us. We suggest sticking with the more efficient xDrive40i instead of the costlier xDrive50i model since the on-paper power boost doesn't translate to a meaningful enough difference behind the wheel. We'd also skip the Dynamic Handling package because the X7's standard suspension is already capable and comfortable. The X7 has the polish and presence that shoppers are seeking, with little to detract from a very enjoyable execution.