BMW X7 M60i 2022 Review

First deliveries of the new 2022 BMW X7 commence shortly, with the entry-level X7 xDrive40d turbo-diesel priced from $166,900 plus on-road costs with either the M Sport or Design Pure Excellence trim packages.

The range-topping X7 M60i xDrive – powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 – kicks off at $197,900 plus ORCs.

Although there’s plenty of scope to tick options boxes, the standard kit level on the 2022 BMW X7 is generous at this price point, as 22-inch rims, full Matrix LED headlights and metallic paint are included at no extra cost.

You also get BMW Individual merino leather upholstery, five-zone climate-control air-conditioning, ‘comfort’ seats, BMW drive recorder, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, plus the new curved display that incorporates a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster.

A six-seater (2+2+2) configuration is a new option, featuring a pair of individual captain’s chairs with foldable arm rests in the centre row. In addition, a floor-mounted cup holder is positioned between the two seats, incorporating two USB-C ports and a 12-volt outlet.

You can choose from one of two exterior trim packages, with the Design Pure Excellence configuration featuring a more low-key look with Pearl Chrome trim highlights, ‘Satinated’ roof rails and window decor, Ferric Grey 22-inch rims and wood trim inside.

As its name suggests, the M Sport brings a sportier look with gloss black trim, a bespoke front and rear apron, bicolour double-spoke rims, M-specific pedals and Fineline Black metal-effect trim inside.

The M60i flagship gets all the kit that lesser models do, plus standard heating and massage functions for the front seats, heated and cooled front cup holders, M Sport differential, M Sport exhaust system, Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille, Integral Active Steering and Executive Drive Pro (including active roll stabilisation).

The BMW X7 has not been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP and this mid-life upgrade is not expected to prompt the independent safety authorities to change that.

It does share its platform with the BMW X5, which has a five-star rating dating back to testing conducted in 2018, so you could infer that its safety levels are also of a high standard.

Standard safety kit includes front, side and curtain airbags and a litany of electronic assistants including cornering brake control, dynamic brake control, dry braking function, fading compensation, drive-off assistant, stability control networked with the xDrive all-wheel drive system, ADB-X automatic differential brake, hill descent control, trailer stability control and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

New features for the 2022 BMW X7 include the extended range of functions offered by the front collision warning system, which now reduces the danger of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming vehicles when turning off.

Also new is the exit warning function, which alerts occupants to a risk of collision when opening the door. The standard Parking Assistant also includes the reversing assist camera and Reversing Assistant.

All 2022 BMW X7 models ride on adaptive dual-axle air suspension with adaptive dampers, and BMW claims the set-up has been recalibrated to offer the widest spectrum between sporty handling and ride comfort.

Rear-wheel steering is offered as an option on the base model (it’s standard in the M60i), and the same goes for active roll stabilisation.

On cars with the optional Parking Assistant Professional specified, the Reversing Assistant can now take over the task of steering the car for a distance of up to 200 metres.

The new Manoeuvre Assistant also simplifies the task of slotting your car into tight parking spots or tricky, narrow driveways. The system can memorise manoeuvres covering a distance of up to 200m each.

When the vehicle next arrives at a memorised starting point, the Manoeuvre Assistant carries out all the tasks required to complete the manoeuvre, controlling the accelerator, brakes and steering as well as changing gear to move forward or reverse.

The updated 2022 BMW X7 features a trio of new engines, but just two of these will be offered at launch in our market.

Value-conscious buyers will obviously look towards the BMW X7 xDrive40d, which pairs a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This combo is good for outputs of 259kW and a robust 720Nm.

We didn’t get to drive this version at the launch, but the stats are impressive as BMW quotes a 0-100km/h split of 5.9sec and v-max of 245km/h.

The sprinter of the range is the BMW M60i xDrive, which thumps out 390kW and 750Nm.

Even though it has a hefty 2600kg to shift (before any occupants or cargo are on board), it scorches from 0-100km/h in 4.7sec and hits 250km/h flat-out.

Not surprisingly, the diesel-powered 2022 BMW X7 xDrive40d is the fuel miser of the range, with a WLTP overall consumption figure of between 7.7 to 8.6L/100km.

Even the twin-turbo V8 isn’t an absolute guzzler as its WLTP overall consumption figure is quoted between 12.1 and 12.9L/100km.

First things first: let’s get the confronting visuals of the 2022 BMW X7 out of the way.

It’s fair to say not everyone will like the new four-eyed face with the headlights clustered separately below the LED daytime running lights, but, to this road tester’s eye, the revamped visage isn’t a deal-breaker.

Controversial it may be, but I can live with it.

The rest of the bodywork is largely as before, with the only other minor tweak being a repositioned chrome strip on the tailgate as it’s now tilted upwards to catch the light.

We had the opportunity to sample only the range-topping BMW X7 M60i xDrive at the launch and, overall, came away impressed.

The mild-hybrid-assisted 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 serves up generous helpings of torque from relatively low revs, which makes for effortless, unflustered progress.

Get out onto the highway and there’s a trace of wind noise from around the A-pillars and door frames once you get past 120km/h, but refinement levels are generally in keeping with what you’d expect for a top-end luxury SUV.

The dual-axle air suspension irons out most road surface imperfections, with only the worst of them being transmitted through to the cabin.

The drive route included a decent stretch of twisties, providing a good opportunity to explore the X7’s dynamic envelope.

The M60i comes equipped with active roll stabilisation, rear-steer and M Sport rear differential.

Given its 2.6-tonne girth and 1.835m tall stance, the X7 hustles across this terrain with a decent level of agility, although if you push it really hard across winding roads you’ll feel the weight of the vehicle transitioning from side to side and it also pitches noticeably under heavy braking.

On the whole, the X7 ticks all the requisite boxes – it strikes a good balance between refinement and dynamism, and the vehicle imparts a suitably premium feel.

The most noticeable change inside the 2022 BMW X7 is the curved display that sits atop the dashboard, and this makes for a cleaner look than before.

All the infotainment and climate functions have been incorporated into the central touch-screen, so the button and knob count has been minimised.

Depending on your perspective this could be a good thing. Personally, I prefer having physical knobs/switches for controlling fan speed and temperature settings.

The other key change is that the gear selector knob has been substituted with a switch, which frees up more space on the centre console.

There’s lashings of metallic trim on the doors, dashboard and centre console and, although this is a nice design element, it can dazzle you if the sun is at the wrong angle.

BMW execs say roominess and comfort are “hallmarks” of the new X7, and that’s generally true.

The front- and middle-row seats are excellent – especially if you opt for captain’s chairs in the second row – while the extra-long sunroof, which stretches to the third row, makes for ample light in the cabin.

That said, third-row seats are best left to the junior brigade as headroom and legroom is limited.

Luggage space is also tight as you can stash only 326 litres worth of stuff with all the seats in place.

If price is a key consideration, you could opt for the cheaper Land Rover Discovery, which is also a highly capable and nice-to-drive seven-seat premium SUV.

However, the Brit leans more towards utility and off-road capability than the overtly sporting and luxurious 2022 BMW X7.

The most direct competitor for the X7 is the Mercedes-Benz GLS, which kicks off around $170K for the GLS 400d 4MATIC. The Merc is more conservatively styled and slightly less dynamic, so you need to evaluate what your priorities are.

If you can live with the polarising front-end styling, there’s little to fault in the updated BMW X7. It’s a supremely polished and engaging luxo SUV.

2022 BMW X7 xDrive40d at a glance:
Price: $166,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Final quarter
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 259kW/720Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.7-8.6L/100km (WLTP)
CO2: 203-225g/km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

2022 BMW X7 M60i xDrive at a glance:
Price: $197,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Final quarter
Engine: 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol
Output: 390kW/750Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 12.1-12.9L/100km (WLTP)
CO2: 274-292g/km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested