Review: 2019 BMW X7

But now the X7 is finally here, based on the same CLAR architecture as the 7-series and related to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Prices stretch from £72,155 to £87,240, which aims it at Range Rover and Mercedes GLS territory – indeed, the X7 also splits those two rivals both in length (a huge 5,151mm) and weight (over 2.3 tonnes). That latter figure would’ve improved had the X7 adopted the 7-series’ Carbon Core construction, which is predominantly aluminium and steel with tactical deployment of carbon. However, the X7 is manufactured in Spartanburg, USA, and while BMW does source carbon fibres for i cars Stateside, apparently it’s too expensive to productionise there. ‘In this class, you might as well invest in extra equipment,’ says a source.

Climb into the high-set driving seat, the interior bathed in light from the deep windows and standard panoramic roof, and you’ll certainly find plenty of standard equipment. This includes brilliant new iDrive infotainment complete with Alexa-style digital assistant, heated electric memory seats, and a suitable richness to the extended Merino leather and the cut-glass gearknob and iDrive controller.

BMW has aimed to exceed its flagship limo’s comfort, so along with air springs, you also get fluid-filled suspension bushings to damp down imperfections, more sound deadening than an anechoic chamber, and pillows for the rear headrests that might as well be anaesthetic.

It’s certainly a serene drive, with lulling suspension, an almost eerie absence of road- and wind-noise, and a Bowers and Wilkins stereo of such clarity that closing the doors is like donning noise-cancelling headphones.

While the X7 will off-road, BMW doesn’t really mention it, and is keener to talk up chassis dynamics. Indeed, a BMW chassis expert bristles on the suggestion this might be the least dynamic BMW. Formerly embedded in WTCC and DTM, he reveals chassis testing was at an impasse when the team changed tack from a conservative chassis set-up to one that was as agile as possible, with software for the all-wheel-drive, steering, differential and suspension layered on to keep owners out of trouble. ‘It took two months but immediately it went five seconds faster at the Nürburgring,’ he tells us. Yes, it’s actually tuned at the ’Ring.

BMW wasn’t exactly generous with corners on the US press launch, but the steering has a familiarly pacey, meaty and precise feel, and this huge SUV swings down freeway on-ramps with a verve unexpected of a car so tall and heavy. Thank rear-biased all-wheel-drive, adaptive suspension and rear-wheel-steering in large part for that.

Even the entry-level 40i petrol coped well with the girth too, feeling smooth, flexible and perfectly quick enough despite a modest 335bhp. Later, the M50i V8 will join the ranks, with over 500bhp – even a US-spec V8 we tried with around 60 horses fewer was riotously fruity. More frugal-minded buyers can also opt for a pair of 3.0-litre turbodiesels, with either 261bhp (30d) or 394bhp (50d). Both top 40mpg. 

The X7 comes as standard with three-row seating. The middle row can motor electrically back and forth by up to 14.5cm, and the third row includes armrests, cupholders and heated seats. Crucially, full-size adults actually get comfortable back there, though ingress and egress is tight.

A more luxurious six-seat version is available, with two captains’ chairs in the middle. The extra indulgence suits this car, the prototypical family will still get three generations aboard, and the gap between those captains’ chairs makes access to row three easier

Either way, boot space is quite pokey at 326 litres with all three rows raised, though that can increase to a mammoth 2,120 litres with row two also laid flat in the seven-seaters – six-seat versions aren’t quite so versatile in that respect.

For a car that’s so divisive, there’s a lot to admire about the X7. To the extent that we’d say its mix of luxury, versatility and dynamic ability is unmatched by anything else for comparable money.

Stat attack: BMW X7 xDrive 40i

Price from: £74,155

Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

Power/torque: 355bhp @ 5,500-6,500rpm/450Nm (332lb ft) @ 1,500-5,200rpm

0-62mph: 6.1 seconds

Top speed: 152mph

Kerb weight: 2,395kg