In an ideal world, we would all own Rivian R1S, GMC Sierra EV Denali, and Lucid Air EVs. These are not necessarily the absolute best zero-tailpipe emission rides, but they can go the distance. That's what you want from an EV, especially since it's well-known by now that battery-powered whips are sensitive to weather changes. But if you're not ready for a big lifestyle change just yet and need some more time before ditching the dead dinosaur juice for good, here's a suggestion: buy this BMW.
First things first, I would like to point out that the best vehicle for you and your family is the one you can afford comfortably. There's no point in trying to look cool to your peers or overleveraging yourself for a car. Most are depreciating assets, and the novelty wears off after a couple of months. Moreover, if you have one or two kids (or very young nephews or cousins) who ride with you often, a plush vehicle will cost a lot to maintain. No matter how you're looking at it, a premium-luxury vehicle will cost you – a lot.
The X7 is a very expensive three-row SUV. At the time of writing, its starting price is $83,500. That gets you a 375-hp three-row Bavarian loft on wheels (i.e., the X7 xDrive40i) that can reach 60 mph (97 kph) from a standstill in 5.6 seconds. Under the hood resides the famous B58 six-cylinder powerplant, which is considered one of the best engines ever made. It's not only pretty powerful; it's also dependable.
Don't expect the 3.0-liter mechanical beating heart to be perfect, though. The hybridization did it no favors. Some Gen 3 B58 owners have been complaining about issues related to the Start&Stop or coasting (i.e., turning off the engine while going at constant speed on the highway) features.
Everyone knows that complexity is the enemy of reliability, but that's what happens when environmental regulations can't be avoided. These efficiency measures are also important because they help automakers avoid extreme downsizing or giving up on the internal combustion engine for good.
Photo: BMW
If you're well-off and fill up to the brim at Costco after every grocery run, then the $110,900 X7 M60i with a potent 523-hp V8 is your best pick.
If you're really well-off, then the Alpina XB7 is the three-row BMW you will buy. It packs 631 hp, which enables it to go from naught to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Keeping it as simple as possible
However, no BMW is a real BMW without a couple of options. Since we're talking about a family hauler here and not a commuting appliance that will rarely be able to travel in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, our choice is the new X7 xDrive40i.
A good enough build includes the free Sparkling Copper exterior (which is a bit lighter than the well-known Dravit Grey) or any other color that isn't an extra, no-cost 21-inch wheels, $1,950 Coffee Merino leather for softer and more supportive seats, and whatever interior trim that isn't piano black or more than $100 (we chose Anthracite Poplar with a matte finish).
Now, onto options. We added the $1,850 Premium Package for soft-close doors, rear window sunblinds, and gesture control, the $900 Parking Assistant Package for the 360-degree camera system, the $800 five-zone climate control system, and the $4,249 Ultimate Care+2 Bundle for peace of mind. The latter includes total coverage for five years or 75,000 miles, which means wear-and-tear items will be replaced at no cost with original parts that have a two-year warranty.
Photo: BMW
It's worth noting that the Ultimate Care+2 Bundle isn't really that necessary. The limited warranty should be enough in case something's wrong with your new three-row Bavarian SUV. Technicians won't do oil changes sooner than BMW lets them (10,000-mile intervals). They also won't replace your transmission fluid, filters, and pan and won't give your X7 new spark plug or belts because those are considered either lifetime or 100,000-mile operations. Moreover, thanks to YouTube, replacing an air filter or brake pads has become a simple Saturday chore.
As such, our X7 with no blacked-out elements or upgraded suspension costs $94,424 before taxes, fees, and shipping. Not too shabby. It's about $500 cheaper than an all-electric dual-motor 665-hp Rivian R1S with the new Max Pack 141.5-kWh battery and the Performance Upgrade.
So, why buy one?
Well, the engine is the first good reason. The B58 is reliable and, when installed under the X7's hood and connected to the ZF eight-speed transmission, belts out enough power to move you and your loved ones with haste when needed and no jolts when it's traffic. The standard air suspension helps with that, too.
Photo: BMW
The X7 xDrive40i is also rather efficient. The vehicle should be able to cover 24 to 27 miles per gallon in real-world driving scenarios, highway speed included. Just make sure you take it in for an oil change every 6-8,000 miles and fill it up with better gas. The minimum is 89 octane gas, and 91 is what the owner's manual recommends, but it would be better in the long term to give the X7 access to periodical gulps of 93. The latter has more ethanol in it, which means it burns a little bit better. Better combustion is good for the longevity of turbocharged engines.
Another reason for buying the X7, believe it or not, is the looks. Once you get over the 2018-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe front-end design and the radiator-inspired grille, this behemoth will gradually start growing on you. Its grandiose appearance inspires confidence, and the taillights have (thank God!) been tastefully redesigned.
But if we're completely honest, few people are considering buying an almost six-figure family vehicle for its neat exterior look. This auto must be great for whoever is sitting inside it. Fortunately, the X7 does deliver in that respect. If you pay for the Merino upholstery upgrade, the seats will be wide enough, comfy, and have plenty of adjustability.
A six-seat configuration is desirable for families that intend to stay close or need a little bit more space to move or place some bags, but the second-row bench is A-OK, too. The good news is that those sitting in the third row have access to their own sunroof (that comes with a sunshade!), and individual climate controls (if you select the five-zone climate option) plus real vents that can be adjusted.
Photo: autoevolution
Moreover, they get more legroom and a better seating position than those who find themselves furthest back in a Mercedes-Benz GLS. Your kids will also appreciate having decent cupholders, good headroom, enough windowed surfaces (including a rather large quarter panel glass), and a heating function.
However, the rear-biased X7, with a near 50:50 weight distribution, isn't only about passengers. The driver must be content with it as well. Pick the Integral Active Steering option for rear-wheel steering, and the Bavarian ride becomes much more maneuverable around town or tight parking lots. A high-quality 360-degree camera system also helps you make all the right moves, while smart functions such as the Reverse Assistant can get you out of a tricky situation.
Larger than the Audi Q7, better put together than a Land Rover Range Rover, more refined (and quieter!) than the GLS, and with better software than all those three competitors, the X7 is the three-row SUV you should buy if you want an uncompromised driving experience and the best conditions for your family. It's true that the switch to iDrive 8 made the cabin a bit less appealing, but the Bavarians spent a lot of time and money on making everything right. You'll get used to all of it in no time or simply learn the voice commands that work with the virtual assistant.
A couple of final thoughts
Now, despite me recommending you buy our version of the facelifted X7, your best bet is a used unit or even one that comes with some sort of dealer warranty or protection. The B58 engine found in the original 2019-2022 X7 doesn't have any mild hybrid tech added to it and is arguably better looking than its successor.
Photo: BMW
Moreover, those slim headlights look much nicer and more aggressive than the split design, and some might even have the Laserlight tech. If enabled, it can light up the road ahead for a distance of about 660 yards (603 meters). That's double the distance covered by conventional lighting systems. But be advised that the laser beam is enabled at speeds of over 37 mph (60 kph), and newer adaptive LED technology has rendered these cool headlights useless because their performance is almost similar. It's still cool that you have a laser warning on your car, though!
Another strong point for the previous X7 is the nicer cabin materials, the many physical buttons, and the iDrive 7. But this is just a personal observation and preference. You might end up thinking otherwise.
Ultimately, any well-specced and -maintained used X7 or a brand-new one can be a great choice for families that don't want an MPV like the Kia Carnival or Toyota Sienna. It can also be a good car for a parent who might want to drive a bit enthusiastically from time to time. If you can afford it (maintenance and insurance included), then it's a no-brainer. It'll make you and your passengers happy.
If you don't need a third row and an all-electric vehicle just isn't to your liking, the next best thing is the versatile X5 xDrive50e. Use it right (i.e., charge the battery at home, drive in EV mode on short trips, and don't turn on the engine suddenly while running on the highway), and you'll see why plug-in hybrids can be the best of both worlds.
