2019 BMW X7 First Look Review: Keeping It In the Family

BMW finally gets on board with building a large SUV the whole family can enjoy.

For years, BMW refused to build anything larger than the X5. Despite the success of large luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Lincoln Navigator, BMW has never ventured into the full-size segment. But as gas prices fell and demand for SUVs skyrocketed, BMW finally decided to introduce a flagship SUV above the X5. It's called the X7, and although it looks like an inflated version of the X5, it represents an entirely new move for the BMW brand. Now, when its time for you to have your third child, you won't have to go looking to trade in your BMW for something bigger. Instead, you can keep it within the BMW family.

Sizing It Up

The X7 is significantly larger than the X5, measuring nine inches longer (five of those in the wheelbase), two inches taller, and far more voluminous on the interior. We had the chance to drive the 2019 BMW X5 and felt that it could use more room in the second and third rows. The X7 will likely feel more spacious in both respects, making it a superior family hauler.

Dimensionally, the X7 isn't on the same level as the American competition, the Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator. Those SUVs are still larger, though the X7 is a more direct rival for the aging Mercedes GLS. The X7 can seat up to seven people, though a more comfortable six-passenger arrangement is available with full-size captains chairs in the second row.

An Evolution Of The BMW Family

One of the reasons people love BMW is because the brand has long been known for its sporty, yet luxurious, driving characteristics. While we'd struggle to call the X5 a sports car, we will admit that it is fairly capable on a back road. The steering is light but not too vague, and the engine/transmission combination is excellent.

We'd expect the X7 to uphold a similar standard in a larger package. Engine options are shared with the X5 and include a 335-horsepower turbocharged inline-six and a 462 hp twin-turbo V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic. If it is anything like the X5, the X7 will shift smoothly during normal driving and provide titillating performance when you are in an excitable mood.

Purists may bemoan the fact that BMW builds big, heavy SUVs like the X5 and X7, but they fail to see how many people grow attached to the BMW brand while their families grow beyond the usability of a sports car like a Z4 or 2 Series. The X7 will allow true BMW diehards to stick with the brand, even after their third child comes into the picture.

Not A Cheap Ride

Unfortunately, when you enter the realm of luxury seven-seaters, the price often increases along with the number of seats. If you want to be able to haul the kids around in this level of luxury, you'd better have a darn good job. The X7 is not cheap, with a starting price of $73,900 for the xDrive40i and $92,600 for the xDrive50i. This is $12,705 and $15,855 more than the equivalent X5 xDrive40i and xDrive50i respectively.

Considering that the nicely-optioned X5 we tested started at $61,195 and ballooned to over $81,000 with options, we'd expect even a well-optioned xDrive40i to approach six figures. This puts it within spitting distance of fully-loaded versions of the Navigator and Escalade, though not as much as the bonkers GLS 63 AMG - don't rule out an equally bonkers X7 M in the future.

Technology Overload

While the American competition has the X7 pegged on pure size, the BMW creams the competition in terms of advanced technology. The X7 will be fitted with BMW's latest iDrive 7 infotainment system, which is one of our favorites in the industry. Not only can the system be controlled with an optional glass controller, BMW has also added a touchscreen, excellent voice commands, and gesture controls. The choice is a bit overwhelming at first, but you'll likely find out which method of control works best for you.

The X7 is also chock full of safety technology, which is great considering it will primarily be used to haul lots of people around. BMW includes extended traffic jam assist and lane keep assist as standard, meaning the X7 can essentially drive itself on the highway at speeds of up to 37 mph. We found some of the safety features on the X5 to be a bit aggressive, but they can be toned down in one of the endless iDrive menus.

The Looks

One of the biggest considerations people factor in when buying a new car is how it looks. Obviously, looks are completely subjective because there are still hundreds of thousands of people per year in the US alone who decide the Toyota Prius is handsome enough to buy. Some people have criticized the X7 for its extremely large grille, but we frankly have no issues with the design. The X7 just looks to us like a slighter enlarged X5, which is a vehicle we find to be quite handsome. It is hard for designers to make any full-size SUV look eye-catching and we think the elegant interior more than makes up for the average exterior design. We'd love to hear what you think about the styling, given many modern car designs are hit or miss.

Will It Sell?

Without a doubt, we think the BMW X7 will fly off dealer lots. BMW has been missing out on the full-size SUV market for years, and we'd guess there are plenty of Escalade and Navigator owners out there wishing they could have a sportier three-row SUV. If anything, we are just surprised BMW didn't build an X7 sooner. Now all that's left is for BMW to sit back and rake in the dough.

10 Best Compact Family Cars For Driving Enthusiasts

If you have a family and love to drive, we have you covered.

No matter how avid a gearhead you are, there comes a time when you’ve got to trade the JDM coupe for something practical, reliable, and affordable. Modern compact, and even sub-compact hatches and sedans offer surprising space and versatility, making them ideal for the modern family. But within these segments, there are vehicles that still offer driving enjoyment. Every vehicle on this list has at least 4 seats and 4 doors but also a level of involvement and fun that ensures having a family doesn’t mean giving up the joy of the drive.

Volkswagen Golf

Spanning 7 generations and more than 4 decades, the Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback that has always been iconic in its segment. Big on practicality, big on style, it’s the ideal all-rounder. But beneath the stylish exterior, the VW Golf is also a somewhat endearing driver’s car. Though the latest generation’s MQB chassis is a little inert, dig a little deeper and it offers a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience. For those that lust after speed, VW’s Golf R and iconic Golf GTI perfectly combine practicality and enjoyment.

Honda Civic

For a front wheel drive compact car, the Honda Civic completely defies the notion that practical means boring. Forget the garishly styled Civic Type R, for those to whom performance means everything; the regular Honda Civic sedan and hatchback are endearing in their own ways. The Honda Civic offers a pliant ride, a talkative chassis, and masses of front end grip – more so than many a hot hatch on the market. With direct steering and keen responses, any driving enthusiast will find the Civic more than enjoyable, with more than enough space for the husband or wife, and the kids in the back.

Ford Focus

The current generation Ford Focus is now a somewhat well-aged compact car – due for replacement within the next two years. As such, it’s fallen behind competitors in quality when it comes to interior materials, fit and finish, and overall premium feel. But, the one thing the Ford Focus has never lost is a chassis aimed at those who like to drive and be involved in the process. Though endowed with an electronic power assisted steering setup, the Focus offers some of the most communicative feedback of any compact vehicle, with keen turn in and energetic responses.

The suspension errs on the side of firm, but the chassis feels alive, and is one of the few that will allow the driver to easily indulge in lift-off oversteer at will. Of course those wanting more can always opt for the hot Focus ST or even hotter Focus RS.

Chevrolet Cruze

The first generation Chevrolet Cruze was hardly an involving driver’s car. But with the second generation, Chevrolet has developed the Cruze into a machine with a dual personality – one that provides comfortable family transport with a pleasant demeanor and an abundance of space, but another that offers a fairly impressive driving experience if you’re willing to dig a little deeper beneath the surface. The chassis offers good levels of grip, impressive neutrality, and more feedback the more you push. You may not get a true hot hatch experience from the Cruze, but you won’t be disappointed after carving up a mountain pass either.

Mazda 3

While we await a new Mazdaspeed3, Mazda is keeping driving enthusiasts happy. Of all the ‘commuter-spec’ compact cars on this list, the Mazda 3 is the only one that gets close to the Honda Civic for driver enjoyment and a keen chassis – the latter of which is stable at speed, but lively through the corners, and offers plenty of grip. Naturally aspirated engines aren’t common affairs these days, but the Mazda’s powerplant offers an old-school experience of seeking the sweet spot at the top of the rev-range, making you feel like a hero when you get things right. Of course a spacious, quality interior is standard, and comfort is of a truly premium nature.

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai aren’t typically known for building driver’s cars, though the Veloster N may change that. The Hyundai Accent has always been a true commuter machine but the sub-compact is evolving with the times, offering a more premium interior paired with a stylish exterior, and a surprisingly commodious cabin. But there’s a surprise lurking beneath the exterior – a chassis that responds rapidly to driver inputs paired with a suspension setup that’s as tenacious as it is pliant. Levels of feedback aren’t the highest, meaning you have to drive with a certain level of trust; but the Accent rewards the driver with an honest to goodness experience.

BMW 2 Series

Arguably the least practical model on this list, but with 4 seats we can make an exception. It’s the only coupe here, but it’s also the only RWD car. A potent turbocharged 6 cylinder in the M240i is exceptional, but the 230i with a lighter 4 cylinder up front provides robust performance, while reducing weight over the front axle. This makes the BMW 2 Series nimbler and more eager to change direction, while the rear-drive layout (AWD optional) adds neutrality and the ability to dance with the 2 Series when the opportunity arises. Of course those with deeper pockets can always opt for the M2 – arguably one of the most enjoyable M-cars this century.

Hyundai Elantra Sport

The latest Hyundai Elantra has moved up-market, offering a premium looking package inside and out. The cabin is one of the most spacious in the compact segment, with a large trunk and generous rear seat area. But the family Elantra has a sportier side too – especially in top Sport trim that equips the compact with independent multi-link rear suspension and bigger 12-inch brakes. Importantly, the Elantra has inherent talent in its DNA, sharing a platform with the recently unveiled Hyundai Veloster N. It’s no Honda Civic Si, but there’s a layer of engagement to the Hyundai Elantra Sport that means you don’t have to give up driver enjoyment for family practicality.

Mini Clubman

With the latest generation, the Mini Clubman has gained an extra set of doors to make it a practical family hatch/wagon. But the underpinnings remain the exceptional front-wheel drive chassis engineered by BMW. Go-kart handling may be a marketing over-exaggeration, but the Clubman offers lots of grip, lots of engagement, and plenty of fun through the corners. Cooper S and JCW variants offer firmer suspension setups, more power, and in the latter, All4 all-wheel drive.

Mazda CX-3

The smallest vehicle here and a close rival to the BMW for least practical, but it has 4 doors and 4 seats, with a decently usable trunk. Though it might be a crossover, the ride height is still more hatch than SUV, giving it pleasing driving dynamics. However, much like the larger Mazda 3, the Mazda CX-3 is a thoroughly enjoyable driver’s hatch/crossover. Small, nimble, and with an abundance of front-end grip, the CX-3 is an agile and involving commuter crossover with an honest, happy personality. There’s a keen front end, but there’s also a potent, rev-happy naturally aspirated engine to be wrung out for maximum performance.