The Best Luxury Family SUV, But There’s a Catch (BMW X7 2023 Review)

The updated BMW X7 is the best large luxury SUV to drive, but it’s much more expensive than it was a few years ago. Is this three-row BMW still worth your cash?

On test is a BMW X7 xDrive40d M Sport in Dravit Grey over Merino Tartufo leather.

Major rivals to the X7 include the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the Volvo XC90, the Audi Q7 and the Range Rover.

Time codes:
0:00 - One of the best BMWs
0:30 - In this video
0:45 - Inflated price
1:33 - Base model deleted
2:02 - The car on test
2:10 - Cheaper rivals
2:29 - Not 7 Series equivalent
2:41 - Infotainment
3:13 - Build quality
3:30 - Material quality
3:43 - Options to consider
4:00 - Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
4:15 - Seat comfort
4:30 - Cabin storage
4:48 - Captain’s chairs
5:00 - Six-seater
5:14 - Back seat features
6:32 - Back seat space
6:45 - Third row
7:32 - M Sport vs Pure Excellence
7:54 - Dravit Grey paint
8:14 - Styling
8:28 - Towing package
8:35 - Split tailgate
8:50 - Boot space
9:30 - Running costs
9:45 - BMW Service Inclusive
10:03 - Warranty
10:11 - Fuel economy on test
10:23 - Driving range
10:33 - Expensive tyres
10:54 - Comprehensive insurance
11:13 - Enjoyable to drive vs rivals
12:08 - BMW CLAR platform
12:33 - Sporty handling
14:03 - 22-inch vs 23-inch wheels
14:30 - Ride quality
15:04 - New 40d diesel engine
15:25 - BMW 30d vs 40d
16:04 - Mild hybrid
16:33 - Quite peaky and laggy
16:55 - M60i petrol V8
17:28 - 40i petrol added to the X7
17:58 - Verdict

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct.

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[explicitpaluch]

Top review, thank you. 5 year warranty is a great addition, given the pricing for a similar updated GLS and the new Range Rover, it's a serious contender at a comparable price point. Perfect for luxurious family hauling, driver involvement is a welcome addition.

[HiddenWen]

Gorgeous spec, and I think it looks great for a large SUV. Sporty and classy at the same time.

[word]

i'd go for the 40i the b58 is such a good engine

[aussie]

Could buy four CX-5 for that cash. Or a top spec turbo CX-5 with $140, 000 left in the bank.

[keith]

Go for the 21 inch rim with non run flat tires. The ride is like riding on a cloud.

[zuti]

Catch is that this refresh version in now uglier and more expensive.

[snoopy]

It all depends upon your net worth. If you’re worth one million you’d be nuts to buy. 4 or 5 million or more then no worries.

[EastWood]

Thanks Tom. Another great review on the BMW.

[nydeerahassalafiyyah]

I have one it’s the best ever BMW really did a great job with this car. I had the 6 first but it was no leg room in the back but the 7 made up for all that. Lol. On my way! to see another one 2morrow. But the price thingy is definitely scary. I’ll let you know how I make out. 😊

[siquanwu]

X7 M60i is the best of all three variants

[andrewmihaleff]

I'll probably never afford any of them but if i wanted to play in this space it would be CX-80/90 for mine

[Coastmac]

Isnt its Servicing usually conditiion based? its 5 yr pricing doesnt look too unreasonable . But once you start adding runflats etc to the cost thats likely to hurt. Had a friend a few yrs ago in an X5 that destroyed a rim & tyre . I gather it was about $3500 or around that to get a replacent . They were stranded in a town in QLD for several days until one was flown in from brisbane!

[DR.WASEEM-NOOR]

compared to x740i...Which has best ride

[TheHayabusa]

Take out the luxury tax etc and it's quite reasonable.

[paulkazzer]

Regarding the price of the X7 the 7 series is so much more expensive for a seriously ugly car with mind bending tech that it makes the X7 seem good value.

[btpp]

Land Cruiser Sahara ZX is way better for less money and better resale

[mattfm]

Absurd to put M Sport badges on a car like this. But BMW have totally cheapened the M sport name by putting it on every model they sell.
I’d take a Discovery every day of the week over this

[darrenprior]

May be a fantastic car...but the depreciation on that thing will be utterly biblical. Wait 6-12mths when the dumb millionaire gets rid of it and you can buy it for half price.