The German automaker’s most aggressive-looking and best-selling utility vehicle has received an update after five years. Yes, we are talking about the 2023 BMW X7 that comes with a new front fascia, small upgrades at the rear, more energy in the base mill, and an updated interior with new tech.
2023 BMW X7 Preview
Exterior
Seeing the new X7 from the front, the first thing we notice is the split lighting setup, which we also expect to see in the upcoming electric i7 and 7 Series sedans. The split headlight design highlights the SUV’s stance while a new shiny silvery trim in the lower part of the bumper (in the base 40i variant) and modified kidney grille make the design bolder. The grille illuminates for the M60i model and its lower vents get a monotone black shade and other changes to make the high-performance variant more aggressive.
BMW offers fourteen new shades for the bold SUV including Sparkling Copper Grey metallic we see here for the xDrive40i model and M Marina Bay Blue metallic for the M60i. A few other colours include Ametrine, Dravit Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and Frozen Pure Grey.
BMW has also made accessible 23-inch wheels for the top trim. The standard size for the xDrive40i is 21-inch wheels, while the M60i gets 22-inchers.
Powertrain
The 2023 X7 continues to be offered with the standard 3.0-litre inline-six and available twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. Both mills get help from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The base engine now delivers 40 more horsepower and 52 extra pound-feet of torque. It means the maximum power it generates caps at 375 hp and 383 lb-ft with a 0 to 60 miles per hour sprint time of 5.6 seconds.
The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 still pumps out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.5 seconds. The Alpina XB7 will possess the same V8 but with an increased power output of 630 hp and 590 lb-ft. It will be able to hit 60 mph in only 4.0 seconds and top out at 180 miles per hour. All mills mate to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with a launch control function.
To make driving more fun, the xDrive40i gets Integral Active Steering as part of the Dynamic Handling Package, while the M60i receives Integral Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization.
Interior
The biggest surprise inside is the iDrive 8 infotainment system featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen, that looks like a single curved screen.
To boost the interior appeal and luxuriousness, the new X7 gets standard multi-contour seats, heating functionality for front seats, and optional Massage and ventilation functions. Furthermore, the base variant receives BMW’s vegan Sensafin faux leather, whereas the M60i sports Extended Merino leather, which buyers can opt for the xDrive40i as well.
Price and Availability
The 2023 X7 xDrive40i comes with an initial price tag of $78,845 ($995 destination charge added in). It is $2,000 more than the 2022 X7. The X7 M60i starts at $104,095, whereas the Alpina XB7 will go for $145,000 approximately.
While we do not know when the new X7 will be here in the UAE, we can tell the outgoing X7 starts at AED 477,000.