Despite a somewhat hefty price tag, the X7 is BMW’s best-selling SUV, so it only makes sense that the company could go all it when it’s time to freshen things up a bit. Make no mistake, the BMW X7 isn’t all-new for the 2023 model year, but there is a whole lot of new

things built right into it, including a sportier front end, a revamped cabin, new technology – BMW’s iDrive 8 – and even some extra power thanks to a new hybrid assist system.

A Newly Designed Front End

Granted, the BMW X7 carries on pretty untouched on the outside, with exception of a few key things that, believe it or not, give it that all-new feeling. First and foremost, BMW split the headlight fixture into two individual units. This split-headlight design will become the new norm for full-size BMWs as it trickles down to the new 7 Series, i7, and XM. What’s more interesting, though, is that on the X7, the daytime running lamps sit up top, near the hood line, while the headlights themselves sit a little lower in the fascia. According to BMW, this look emphasizes the X7’s upright stance, and I have to admit that I agree to a certain extent. Beyond this, the xDrive40i gets a silver trim on the front end and the grille now has darkened slats with a brighter chrome frame. New for 2023 is a new Cascade Lighting Element integrated into the kidney grilles similar to what you see on a Rolls-Royce.

The sportier X7 M60i ditches the chrome trim for gloss black trim, with the kidney grilles and lower vents being finished in monotone black. Here, the headlight fixtures have a darkened tint for a more aggressive look and there’s an M badge on the left-hand side of the grille as you’d expect. For 2023, BMW added 14 colors to the palette of options. Highlight colors include the new Sparkling Copper Grey Metallic, M Marina Bay Blue Metallic, and other BMW Individual options like Ametrin, Dravit Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, and Frozen Pure Grey.

Powertrain Updates

As before, the 2023 BMW X7 is offered with two different engines: a 3.0-liter inline-six and the optional twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. For 2023, however, both engines have been paired with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid assist system. Thanks to this, the base model that’s equipped with the inline-six comes complete with a boost of 40 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of torque, upping to total output to 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to this extra power from the hybrid assist system, the X7 xDrive40i can hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds – not bad for a vehicle this large, right?

As for the larger, twin-turbo V-8, it still delivers the same 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. With this power on tap, the X7 M60i is capable of hitting 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. If that’s not good enough for you, you can always go to the top of the range. No, I’m not talking about an X7 M, I am talking about the Alpina XB7. In this model, the 4.4-liter V-8 has been tweaked to deliver 630 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. With that, the XB7 will hit 60 mph in a cool four seconds flat and is limited to a top speed of 180 mph. Shifting duties on all 2023 X7 models are handled by a new eight-speed automatic transmission with built-in launch control.

Other enhancements include the Integral Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization that’s now standard on the X7 M60i. The former can be had on the xDrive40i too, though, you’ll need to purchase the Dynamic Handling package. The system is actually quite helpful and highly recommended. It’s basically a variable-ratio steering rack that boosts responsiveness at high speeds while at the same time allowing for more maneuverability in tight situations. If you have the money, it’s a must-have if you live in an area with tight parking, that’s for sure.

2023 BMW X7 Specifications

BMW’s New iDirive 8 Infotainment System Fits Into an Updated Interior

While cars like the updated X4 M still soldier on with BMW’s older iDrive 7 infotainment system, the X7 is a different story – it features the new iDrive 8 infotainment system. This system brings together a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both of which are hidden behind a downright gorgeous curved display. Its appearance in the X7 is actually a bit significant, as it marks the first time that iDrive 8 has landed in a gas-powered vehicle. It was previously only found in the iX and i4 electric vehicles.

The iDrive 8 interface is completely new compared to the system it replaces. The overall appearance is sleeker, and the home screen is more streamlined than ever before. There are new additional features, but things like voice control and gesture control carry over with mild updates to make them more responsive and easier to use. Along with the iDrive 8 system, the X7 now comes standard with multi-contour seats with built-in heating functionality – two things that were previously optional on the X7. If you want massage and ventilation up front, these can be added as an option, but you’ll be happy to know that BMW’s vegan Sensafin faux leather is standard even on the xDrive40i. The M60i comes standard with Extended Marino leather, which is available as an option on the base model if you wish.

2023 BMW X7 Pricing and Availability

All of the enhancements imposed on the X7 don’t come without a cost, though, so you can expect to see an increase in MSRP of around $2,000. The 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i now has a starting price of $78,845 with the $995 destination fee included. If you want the X7 M60i, you’ll have to pony up $104,095. BMW hasn’t said exactly when the X7 will arrive in showrooms but expect to see it on the road before the end of summer 2022.