The BMW X7 is BMW’s largest and most luxurious SUV, a three-row, up-to-seven-seat vehicle launched in 2019. It is built at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina — BMW’s largest factory in the world — and competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. A significant update in 2022 gave it split headlights and a curved dashboard display, and an Alpina XB7 version pushes it into ultra-luxury territory.

At a glance
Launched 2019 (G07)
Built Spartanburg, South Carolina
Seats Six or seven
Engines 3.0L inline-six (xDrive40i), 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (M60i)
Special versions Alpina XB7

Why BMW built the X7

Buyers in the U.S., China and the Middle East wanted large luxury SUVs with three rows, and BMW’s X5 was too small for families who used the third row regularly. The X7 filled the gap with a longer body, a commanding stance and a huge kidney grille.

Inside

  • Second-row captain’s chairs (six-seat configuration) or a bench (seven seats).
  • A usable third row with power adjustment and its own sunroof section.
  • Five-zone climate control on many versions.
  • Air suspension as standard, with an off-road package in some markets.
  • Curved Display combining instrument cluster and touchscreen since the 2023 model year.

The Alpina XB7

Alpina, a German manufacturer long associated with BMW (and now owned by BMW), produces the XB7 — a more powerful, more luxurious X7 with special leather, wood and Alpina’s distinctive wheels. It is aimed at buyers who want Maybach-level finish in a BMW.

Unibody, not body-on-frame

Like the Mercedes GLS, the X7 uses a unibody structure, which gives a more car-like driving experience than body-on-frame SUVs like the Escalade and Suburban. The trade-off is slightly less cargo space behind the third row. Read body-on-frame vs unibody.

X7 vs Escalade

The X7 feels more agile and sporty; the Escalade offers more interior and cargo space, a V8 as standard and more visual presence. Read Escalade vs BMW X7 or see our Cadillac Escalade.