The 2019 BMW X7 is a three-row SUV packed with technology.

The BMW X7 2019 is proof that if you shout loud enough, someone will listen to you. Finally.

For years, BMW fans have called for a true three-row SUV. They had to sit while Mercedes-Benz buyers floundered with their GLS classes, but now it's time to level the playing field. The X7 shows the latest version of the BMW design language and offers many technologies for large and well-off families. Let's take a closer look.

Outside and inside

A numerologist does not need to understand that the X7 is the largest BMW SUV offered. It is almost 10 inches longer than the X5 (203.3 inches vs. 194), 2 inches taller (71.1 vs. 69) and just as wide (about 79 inches), with a longer wheelbase of 5 inches (122 , 2 inches at 117.1). But beyond the numbers, the X7 simply looks monstrous, with its vertical position and its largest grille never slapped on a Bimmer (true story).

The look embodies BMW's latest design language, emphasizing strong character lines and ever-thinner headlights. Even the rear lights go out, following the footsteps of every new BMW, from Series 3 to Series 8 and vice versa. It's unclear if a coupe-like variant will eventually follow, because if BMW adores itself as a wacky variant, a tapered rear roof line will undoubtedly be wreck free height in the third row.

The interior is similar to the 2019 X5, with flowing lines on the center console and door panels that rise to the dashboard. Two standard screens are found in the driver's field of vision – the one replacing the group of measuring instruments and the other, an infotainment system – but there are still some physical buttons for the air conditioning and audio controls below. The vehicle modes, the gears and the start button are located side by side on the center console and in the right trim you can get a clear glass shift lever. A three-panel panoramic glass roof is standard and third-row passengers have their own control over the awning that can cover it.

The X7 can accommodate six or seven people. The back row can accommodate two full-fledged adults, while the center row seats three (on a bench) or two (in the captain's chairs), depending on the finish. The two second-row arrangements have a 5.7-inch front-to-back travel and many switches can fold the seats flat for easier access to the third row. If you have something heavy to lift in the loading area, the standard air suspension will lower the rear for easier work. A folding electric tailgate in two parts is also standard.

Powertrain, two ways

When launched, the X9 2019 will be offered in one of two versions, xDrive40i or xDrive50i. All-wheel drive is standard on both, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission. The transmission uses the navigation system to determine the optimal ratio for the future.

The xDrive40i base uses a 3.0-liter I6 turbocharged gasoline engine. It will produce 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, and all this torque is available from 1500 to 5200 rpm. It will reach 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is pretty brisk for a car of this size.

If you want all the power, go for the xDrive50i. It features an optimized version of BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, which offers 456 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, the latter being available from 1,500 to 4,750 rpm. The time between 0 and 60 drops to 5.2 seconds and, having sampled both engines before, let me tell you – the V8 scooters.

Both engines have ecological improvements. A stop-start system is standard and it is able to monitor traffic to determine when to engage and disengage. The transmission will also disengage the engine and allow it to idle at speeds between 9 and 99 mph when the car is in Comfort or Eco Pro mode. That said, you need to be flexible, as sudden throttle levers will leave the powertrain connected, allowing the engine brake to help the X7 slow down.

If you want to claim that the X7 is a kind of sports car – and that's quite the case with the V8, to be honest – an optional dynamic handling package adds direction to the car. rear axle, more sporty brakes and, on the V8 model, BMW Sport M rear differential. It also includes a system capable of analyzing the road and anticipating the suspension configuration for optimum handling.

Tech and security

All of your traditional luxury car accessories are available: parking sensors, five-zone automatic climate control, heated front seat armrests, soft close doors, heated and cooled cup holders, motion control and head-up display. If you really want to get away with it, the Executive Package adds a wild panoramic sunroof that uses built-in LED lights to act as a starry sky. It's a good thing for Rolls-Royce, and that impresses especially for something that does not cost as much as Rolls-Royce.

In terms of security, there are many. The X7 xDrive40i base comes with front collision alert, auto brake with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and speed limit information. The xDrive50i adds a head-up display, a panoramic camera system and something that BMW calls Active Driving Assistant Professional.

Active Driving Assistant Professional is standard on the xDrive50i and optional on the xDrive40i. It is essentially a combination of Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist that allows steering, acceleration and braking at speeds up to 37 mph. A combined infrared / optical camera will monitor the driver's eyes and nose to make sure he's monitoring the road, otherwise the system will disengage. It can also change lanes when the indicator is lit.

This suite also includes the ingenious Emergency Stop Wizard, operated by pulling the electronic parking brake switch while the car is in motion. He will try to stop on the side of the road, but he can also stop the vehicle in his lane. It turns on the hazards and activates the emergency call function so that emergency services can be summoned.

Infotainment and connectivity

All BMW X7s carry two screens on the dashboard. A 12.3-inch gauge group screen offering different views depending on the vehicle's mode, but relevant information such as the speed of the road and the directions of navigation are always visible. The tachometer can be exchanged for information from the infotainment system, in case you give more importance to your radio station than the number of laps you are paying attention to.

The 12.3-inch infotainment display provides touch functionality, in addition to a standard controller with haptic feedback on the center console. If offers a wide variety of connected services, including information on parking and traffic, as well as concierge services. Six USB ports are standard, including some type C connectors. Combine the system with the BMW connected app, and you can push the appointments and directions of your smart device to the car. A point of Wi-Fi access is standard, as is the charging of a wireless device.

You do not even need a key for this thing. BMW Digital Key allows you to throw the traditional fob aside and use your phone as a key. There is however one disadvantage: it only works with Samsung Galaxy phones compatible with NFC running Android 8.0 or later, and it is apparently limited to some carriers, although BMW has not specified which ones.

Release date and price

The 2019 BMW X7 arrives at dealers in March. The xDrive40i will cost you $ 73,900, while the xDrive50i will cost $ 92,600.

As of October, potential buyers can dispense with the dealership and pre-order a new X7 on BMW's general public site, although a move to the dealership of one's choice remains necessary to finalize the order and possibly recover it.

The X7 will be built in the BMW factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where are also manufactured the X3, X4, X5 and X6.

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