2026 BMW X7 Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
BMW’s largest-ever SUV sits atop the automaker’s lineup as a showcase of technology and luxury. The 2026 BMW X7 carries over into the new model year unchanged, having most recently been refreshed for 2023.
That means it’s likely that we could see a redesigned X7 on the way soon. Rivals to the 2026 BMW X7 include other swanky SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, Rivian R1S, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
What’s New
For 2026, BMW makes just one change to the X7. The three-row luxury SUV receives BMW’s Parking Assistant Professional as standard equipment.
This feature includes BMW’s Maneuver Assistant, Remote Parking, Backup Assistant, and Parking Assistant. That’s BMW-speak for automatic parking assistance. If you pull up to a spot, the X7 can steer itself into position.
What We Think
Positioned as the largest SUV in BMW’s model range, the X7 possesses the sporty feel desired by the brand’s faithful. Despite its size, the 2026 BMW X7 handles like a much smaller SUV and is genuinely fun to drive.
Even the base engine can haul a full load of passengers easily enough that the V-8 seems unnecessary. However, the powerful and torquey V-8 engine feels under-stressed and buttery smooth so we wouldn’t fault anyone for splurging on the sporty X7 M60i or the ultra-luxurious Alpina XB7.
All versions of the X7 are outfitted with sumptuous materials in the cabin. As a showcase for BMW’s technological prowess, the X7 leans into digital features with large displays and cutting-edge connectivity.
The downside is that the SUV’s reliance on its touchscreen means you’ll spend quite a bit of time hunting through menus for the preferences you want to change. Thankfully, a useful voice assistant serves as something of a shortcut for many of the most commonly adjusted settings.
The most cumbersome aspect of the X7 is the third row, which is on the small side of the luxury three-row SUV segment. Accessing the rear seats can be frustrating; the second-row chairs are motorized and slide slowly. When they’re finally out of the way, the opening to get into the third row is smaller than ideal for adults to squeeze into the back.
Use the X7 like a two-row SUV with an emergency third row and you’re likely to be satisfied. The cabin is a superb place to commute or crush miles on a road trip. If you get to a twisty road on the way to a camping trip, the 2026 BMW X7 has the handling chops to make short work of the curves. There are better choices for luxury SUV shoppers that plan to use a third row frequently, but the X7 excels in nearly every other facet.
Performance and MPGs
All versions of the 2026 BMW X7 come equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.
The xDrive40i base model uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six developing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. At the test tract, this model accelerated from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, which is quick for the segment. The engine is restrained with fuel consumption receiving an EPA rating of 20/24 mpg city/highway for 2025.
If more power is what you seek, the X7 M60i comes equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine developing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds but we expect that figure to be closer to 4.2 seconds.
Fuel economy drops with the M60i’s extra cylinders and heightened output. For 2025, the EPA rated this powertrain at 16/20 mpg.
The Powerful and Luxurious 2026 Alpina XB7
Though no X7 M exists at this point, there’s an even higher-performance three-row BMW available in the form of the 2026 Alpina XB7. Rather than focus on motorsports-inspired upgrades like some BMW M models, the XB7 balances luxury and sportiness.
XB7 intenders still get M-level power upgrades, however. In this application, the three-row SUV’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 churns out 631 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is the same as the M60i, pegged at 16/20 mpg by the EPA.
The pre-refresh XB7 sprinted from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds and boasted tremendous stopping power. It doesn’t handle with the buttoned-down prowess of the X5 M or X6 M, but the suspension is better tuned for daily driving.
Safety Features
Even though the 2026 BMW X7 is the largest and most expensive SUV in the automaker’s lineup, the list of standard driver assistance features is relatively short. BMW equips all models with automatic high-beams, front automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.
Springing for the Assistance Professional package adds lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and a hands-free highway driving system. BMW’s safety tech has a good track record of operating in a confidence-inspiring manner.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Even though the X7 is the largest SUV in BMW’s lineup, there are more spacious models in the luxury three-row SUV segment.
Technology
All 2026 BMW X7 models use the automaker’s signature curved display panel with two screens situated underneath a single pane of glass. The digital instrument cluster measures 12.3 inches and the infotainment touchscreen is 14.9 inches.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are equipped on every model. BMW has introduced BMW Operating System 9, but the X7’s system is a generation behind newer models in the lineup. There are two USB-C ports for each row of seats and a wireless charging pad in the front row.
Other available tech includes a head-up display, soft-close automatic doors, electric rear side window shades, front massaging sats, and a panoramic Sky Lounge roof with embedded LED illumination.
Which 2026 BMW X7 Trim Level Is Best?
BMW equips the 2026 X7 at three trim levels: xDrive40i, M60i, and XB7. Prices jump astronomically if you step up beyond the base model, but the xDrive40i’s engine is powerful and efficient so you won’t miss the V-8 much if you stick with the silky smooth I-6.
You can outfit the xDrive40i with almost all of the same options and customizations as the M60i aside from some cosmetic details, so you may as well save some cash on the engine and spend elsewhere. The 2026 X7 xDrive40i starts at around $90,000.
Other Luxury Full-Size Three-Row SUVs:
