If the Parthenon were on wheels and powered by robust Bavarian horsepower, it would be the 2020 BMW X7. Cloaked in an aura of luxury and sheer mass, this SUV is a veritable mansion on the move. Its majestic grilles could be mistaken for the gates of a regal estate, guarding a cabin so quiet and opulent, it's like vacationing in a five-star hotel. The X7 doesn't merely drive; it glides, powered by engines that whisper power and refinement. And with an army of driver assists and all-wheel drive, it's like having your very own secret service detail. The third row? Well, let's just say it's a stunning reminder that not all rooms in a mansion are equal. The 2020 BMW X7 – embracing the challenge of ferrying the family with flair and fancy.
Read on to learn more about the 2020 BMW X7.
When it comes to the interior, the 2020 BMW X7 is a benchmark of luxury and elegance. Borrowing elements from the sophisticated BMW 7-series sedan and the compact yet versatile BMW X5 SUV, the X7 offers a cavernous, tech-laden space that is as comfortable as it is practical. The heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable steering wheel, and ambient interior lighting collectively exude opulence and convenience. It's not all glitz and glamour, though. There's a minor hiccup with the slightly cumbersome power-operated, second-row captain's chair, which takes its sweet time to move and accommodate passengers for the third row. And speaking of the third row, it's not the roomiest spot for adults on extended journeys. The cargo area may not be the most spacious with the third row in use (able to fit only three carry-on suitcases), but with the rear seats stowed, it transforms into a cargo-hauling champ, accommodating a whopping 33 cases.
With its imposing, muscular stance and a distinctive double-kidney grille that could be mistaken for the entrance to a luxurious estate, the 2020 BMW X7 ensures it stands out in the sea of SUVs. Each curve, edge, and line are meticulously crafted to create a silhouette that is as commanding as it is refined. The impressive LED headlights, standard on all models, pierce the night like the eyes of a nocturnal predator, illuminating the path ahead with unwavering clarity. The vehicle's bold design doesn't end with its front fascia. Take a walk around and you'll appreciate the sleek side profile - the long, flowing lines and large wheel arches that accommodate wheels of up to 22 inches. At the rear, the exquisite LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets underline the X7's sporting prowess. The combination of sheer size and intricate detailing gives the 2020 BMW X7 a formidable yet sophisticated external persona, making it a true spectacle on the road.
The xDrive40i model houses a 335-hp six-cylinder engine that is as torquey as it is quiet, providing a seamless driving experience. For those with a desire for greater power, the twin-turbo V-8 in the xDrive50i, churning out 456 horsepower, offers an exhilarating drive, with acceleration that feels more urgent and a charm that is quite irresistible. At the top of the range, the M50i model holds a specially tuned version of this V-8, pushing out an impressive 523 horses. Regardless of the model, all engines are mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and feature all-wheel drive, ensuring smooth power delivery and excellent handling in various conditions.
The standard air suspension with adaptive damping offers a comfortable ride, with the Comfort mode smoothing out the bumps and the Sport mode tightening things up to offer a more engaging drive. For off-road enthusiasts, there's an available off-road package that adds an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, off-road driving modes, and a front skid plate to protect the engine. With such a spectrum of performance capabilities, the 2020 BMW X7 offers an engine for every taste, blending luxury and performance in one exceptional package.
Fuel efficiency is admittedly not the X7's strongest suit. The EPA estimates that the most economical X7, the xDrive40i, will return up to 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 20 mpg in city driving. However, for those who yearn for the robust growl of the V-8-powered xDrive50i or the M50i, be prepared to sacrifice some fuel economy. These more powerful variants trade in some mpg's for extra oomph, but potential owners might argue that the exhilarating performance and spine-tingling power more than makes up for the extra trips to the gas station. Despite its less-than-stellar fuel efficiency, the 2020 BMW X7 continues to enchant with its blend of luxury, power, and prestige.
While the 2020 BMW X7 has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the luxury SUV does boast a robust suite of standard safety features designed to help protect its occupants. Each model comes equipped with an array of driver-assistance technologies including frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and a rearview camera. More advanced safety options are also available to supplement the standard safety features. Despite the absence of official safety ratings from NHTSA or IIHS, the proactive safety approach taken by BMW in outfitting the X7 with a multitude of safety technologies demonstrates its commitment to passenger safety.
So, what's the final word on the 2020 BMW X7? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the X7 is the epitome of luxury and finesse, offering a rich and immersive driving experience that is hard to rival. Its interior is a masterclass in design, its engines roar with untamed power, and its exterior presence commands attention. However, it's not without its quirks. The fuel economy might have you on first-name terms with your local gas station, and the third-row seating could turn a game of musical chairs into a wrestling match. But let's be real, the X7 isn't trying to be the decaf latte of the automotive world - it's a full-bodied espresso, and it's proud of it. If you're in the market for a luxury SUV that provides an intoxicating blend of elegance, power, and technology (and you're not averse to a few frequent flyer miles at the pump) then the 2020 BMW X7 should certainly be on your radar. Go ahead, you just might enjoy the ride!
