2019 BMW X7 xDrive40i

The X7 is a true luxury vehicle that ticks all the boxes of what a big SUV should be, with plenty of space, technology, and style.

The 2019 BMW X7 is a seven-passenger three-row SUV that is available in two trim levels: xDrive40iand xDrive50i. The xDrive40i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder (335 horsepower, 330 pound-feet of torque). It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The xDrive50i upgrades to a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 (456 hp, 479 lb-ft).

Standard xDrive40i features include 21-inch wheels, an air suspension, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a powered dual-section tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, a pre-wired trailer hitch receiver (5,400-pound limit), a self-leveling air-ride suspension, selectable drive modes, and keyless entry and ignition.

Inside, you also get four-zone automatic climate control, emergency telematics, remote vehicle monitoring and control via a smartphone app, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, simulated leather upholstery (SensaTec), heated and power-adjustable front seats, 40/20/40-split-folding second-row seats, and 50/50-split folding third-row seats.

Standard technology features for the X7 include a digital gauge cluster display, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay (subscription-based), two USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 10-speaker sound system. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor and lane departure warning are also included.

Optionally, you can add the Driving Assistance Professional package (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane change assist, automatic evasive steering, front cross-traffic alert, and a low-level automated driving system) and the Parking Assistance package (a surround-view camera system and an automated parking system).

The xDrive50i trim includes all of the above and adds leather upholstery, multi-contour front seats, a surround-view camera, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

Most of the X7’s options are bundled in packages. The major ones you’ll want to consider are the Premium package (soft-close doors, remote ignition, power rear window shades, a head-up display, heated and cooled cupholders, gesture control and, for the xDrive40i, the Harman Kardon surround-sound system); the Cold Weather package (five-zone climate control, heated rear seats, heated front armrests and a heated steering wheel); and the Luxury Seating package (ventilated multi-contour front seats with massage functions).

Notable stand-alone add-ons include 22-inch wheels, running boards, an upgraded trailer hitch (7,500-pound limit), a display key, additional leather interior coverings, second-row captain’s chairs, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system, and a dual-screen rear entertainment system. The Executive package (adaptive LED laser headlights, a panoramic sunroof with LED lighting, and a glass gear selector and buttons) is exclusive to the xDrive50i.

The X7 comes with a standard three-passenger bench in the second row; captain’s chairs are a $600 option. The captain’s chairs are the more comfortable choice, but in addition to losing seating capacity, bear in mind that those seats don’t fold down all the way. This prevents you from opening up the cargo area as fully as you can with the bench.