The BMW X7 gets a refreshed exterior and a more powerful engine for 2023.

The BMW X7 comes with one of two engines. The xDrive40i is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine fed by a turbocharger, sending power to all-four wheels via an 8-speed automatic. BMW claims the X7 xDrive40i makes 375 horsepower, which is enough get the vehicle to 60 miles per hour in just 5.8 seconds, so despite not having overwhelming amounts of horsepower on paper, the xDrive40i is pretty quick. For those wanting more power, the M50i is powered by a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 making 523 horsepower.

Regardless of which engine is ordered, the X7 comes in two basic flavors dubbed Luxury and M Sport. From the outside, the two trim levels couldn't be more different, the Luxury features plenty of exterior brushed aluminum around the windows and the lower door sills, while the M sport features more aggressive wheels, blacked out aluminum and bigger grill openings in the front fascia.

Regardless of trim level, the X7 is generous with its standard features, which include 21-inch wheels, and adaptive LED headlights. Inside, the X7 comes standard with 16-way heated power front seats, a 10-speaker sound system with HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, a heated leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, BMW ConnectedDrive services, cruise control, a panoramic moonroof featuring a 2-piece glass panel, 4-zone automatic climate control, rain sensing wipers, a power tailgate, park distance control, and BMW's extended ambient lighting system. Additional features exclusive to the M50i include LED adaptive headlights that are equipped with BMW Laser light, 4 wheel painted calipers, and an M Sport electro-mechanical limited slip differential.

Standard safety equipment across the X7 include a lane departure warning system, blind spot warning, forward collision mitigation, rear collision warning, pedestrian detection system, a driver attention alert and a traffic sign information system.

The BMW X7 is the largest and most expensive SUV in their lineup, positioned as the next step up from the X5, though it is also bigger and more expensive than the swoopy and sporty X6. Its positioned primarily to do battle with the Mercedes Benz GLS. While both vehicles are nice, the styling of the GLS is extremely pedestrian, while the X7's styling certainly makes a statement. The BMW also offers a far more interesting driving experience, with a bit more feel and just a hint of sports car DNA baked into the experience. There are cheaper alternatives such as the Audi Q7 and the Cadillac Escalade, though both can easily be optioned up to rival the price of the BMW X7. However, the Audi feels a little more cramped inside and has been around for several years, while the X7 is a brand new vehicle. The Escalade feels plenty big but doesn't have the quality or style present in its Germanic competition.

Luxurious interior; seating for up to seven people; all-wheel drive; more fun to drive than the average SUV; packed full of technology