Is the 2023 BMW X7 a Good SUV? 4 Pros, 3 Cons

The BMW X7 has always been a good choice for buyers looking for a luxurious three-row SUV that delivers an enjoyable driving experience to go along with its opulent interior and buckets of tech. All of that is still true with the updated 2023 model, though the tech part is starting to border on overkill.

Related: 2023 BMW X7 Review: Fantastic, But Rapidly Approaching Overly Frustrating

The X7’s refresh isn’t just about tech as it also brings styling updates and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for both the respective twin-turbocharged base 3.0-liter six-cylinder and available 4.4-liter V-8 engines. But the big news is a new curved dash display housing both a digital instrument cluster and the latest version of BMW’s iDrive touchscreen interface, bringing new levels of sophistication — and frustration.

Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman spent a week with a new X7 in the mid-level M60i trim equipped with the 4.4-liter V-8 and found a lot to like, especially from behind the wheel; some of the overly complicated tech, however, was frustrating enough to take away from the luxury experience and left him less impressed. Tap the link above for Bragman’s complete review; for a quicker rundown, read on for four things we like about the 2023 BMW X7 and three things we don’t.

Things We Like

1. Potent Performance

Pumping out 523 horsepower, the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 in our M60i test vehicle proved more than up to the task of hustling this big SUV along, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive, acceleration is both swift and smooth, and several drive modes offer the option of even quicker response.

2. Commendable Cruiser

There’s no getting around that this is a big SUV, but the X7 handles well for its size. The ride stays smooth and controlled whether you’re driving around town, negotiating a twisty two-lane road or just cruising on the highway. There’s none of the floatiness or excessive body motion of some large alternatives, and the ride remains smooth and quiet even with its huge wheels and low-profile tires.

3. Usable Third Row

While not as large as domestic alternatives such as the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer, the X7 is still big enough to offer luxurious and spacious accommodations for occupants in the first two rows. Better still, the third row is suitable for transporting full-sized humans. Adults will find the space less accommodating than children, but most should at least be able to fit for short distances. Getting back there is made easier by a second row that folds out of the way with the push of a button.

4. Nose Job

The prominent oversize grille BMW has adopted across the lineup looks a little less out of place here — or maybe it’s just better proportioned on a larger vehicle like this. The X7’s styling update makes the grille less of a focal point, and the overall look is cleaner and more integrated.

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Things We Don’t Like

1. Torturous Tech

While the new curved multimedia display presents a clean, modern look with bright and vivid graphics, it’s another example of how luxury brands have increasingly been relying on sophisticated tech features as a means of conveying an upscale experience. With the 2023 update, the X7 has a lack of physical controls for even basic functions, making things worse in this regard.

2. Menu Madness

The latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment interface provides plenty of menu choices, with extraneous screen options that make finding frequently used controls that much harder to find. Some audio functions are buried in a maze of icons, and the climate adjustments alone require navigating through more than a dozen sliders and controls. All of this only leads to increased distraction and frustration.

3. Option Overload

Chances are that most buyers considering a new X7 won’t balk at the M60i’s $104,995 base price (which includes a reasonable $995 destination fee). But even well-heeled consumers would be advised to consider the options list carefully: Options quickly brought our M60i to $122,545 with its array of options that included a Merino leather interior, premium audio and metallic paint.

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