Since its conception, the BMW X7 has had a special place in my heart as it was almost my choice for a family vehicle.
In fact, the X7 still remains at the top of my list for a potential future buy. For the 2023 model year, the BMW X7 gets a refresh, one that’s pretty significant with new styling that may be a bit controversial for BMW purists, remains to be undeniable BMW through and through.
The three BMW X7 trims remain but they get revisions across the board starting with the base xDrive40i now getting a change in its engine where the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6-cylinder is now a Miller-cycle variant assisted with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Power output is now 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid assist can boost torque up to 398 lb-ft for brief moments. Zero to 60 mph is claimed to be 5.6 seconds.
The M50i trim is now an M60i, which now gets the 48-volt mild-hybrid assist but the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 retains its output at 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque with a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.
The new 2023 BMX X7 Alpina also gets the mild-hybrid setup but its power rating grows a bit to make 630 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque enabling the big Bavarian cruiser to hit 60 mph in just 4 seconds flat.
As you may see, the major change for the exterior is the front end with a split lighting design where the headlights are positioned lower and the daytime running LED lighting elements are up top. The grille even gets the availability of lighting for a more characteristic look at night. Other elements outside include available 23-inch wheels along with retuned steering and air suspension. Four-wheel steering is still around and there’s continuously adaptive suspension, but both come as an option for the xDdrive40i trim.
Inside, there’s a revised layout of the gauge cluster and a new iDrive 8 infotainment touchscreen. The 12.3-inch cluster and a new 14.9-inch touchscreen come from the BMW iX SUV. Other changes include an updated Parking Assistant Professional feature that allows the driver to record a parking maneuver to execute later automatically. There’s also a steering assist for backing up with a trailer and driver profiles accessible through a digital key paired with your smartphone.
The navigation system gets augmented reality overlaying street turns on a live video feed. Lastly, interior materials are more focused on sustainability with a new Sensafin vegan surface material replacing traditional leather surfaces on the X7 xDrive40i. Higher trim levels still have the availability of leather.
Pricing for the new 2023 BMW X7 has increased by about $4,000 across the board with the xDrive40i starting at $78,845 and the M60i at $104,095 and will go on sale in the third quarter of this year (2022) with the Alpina launching early 2023. Pricing for the Alpina XB7 will be announced closer to the sales date.
