2019 BMW X7: BMW’s Largest Family Hauler Starts from $74,895, Will Drive Itself In Traffic [Video]

BMW jumps into the large SUV fray with the all-new 2019 BMW X7.

While the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class have been around for years, BMW has yet to roll out a bespoke three-row SUV. While the X5 does offer a third-row option, there has not been a model that offers seven seats as standard equipment. Now, the former range-topping X5 gets a larger sibling in the lineup. It’s the 2019 BMW X7, and it is massive – at least by BMW standards. At 203.3 inches long, 78.7 inches wide and 71.1 inches tall, it’s both longer and taller than the X5. In fact, the 2019 BMW X7 is nine inches longer and 2.1 inches taller. It meets the size requirements of a massive family hauler, but what else does it bring to the table? After teasing their new model earlier this week, now we have some more information.

The 2019 BMW X7 will make its way to the U.S. in March 2019 in two models. There’s the straight-six powered xDrive40i and the V8-driven xDrive50i. The xDrive40i kicks off at $74,895 including a $995 destination charge. The xDrive50i model starts at $93,595, and for the first time, customers can pre-order the X7 online through BMW’s website.

Apart from size, the 2019 BMW X7 features a prominent kidney grille with wide, slim LED headlights. The Executive Package available on the X7 xDrive50i adds BMW’s new Laserlight headlights to the mix. The side profile more or less resembles the X5, but there’s a key difference. The rear doors on the 2019 BMW X7 are actually longer than the front doors. Around the back, the X7 carries an upright stance, with smaller LED taillights and a chrome strip across the rear tail gate. Like the X5, BMW’s largest SUV also has a two-section, split-folding power tailgate.

Performance

If you opt for the 5,370-pound 2019 BMW X7 xDrive40i, you’ll get a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine. The entry-level model makes 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, and is capable of hauling its mass to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, according to BMW.

The more powerful xDrive50i packs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, with 456 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. While it’s more powerful, the 5,617-pound V8-powered model only hits 60 mph 0.6 seconds faster, claims the manufacturer. Still, whichever you choose, it appears there’s enough power to throw the whole family back in their seats a bit.

Both models come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, as is the brand’s standard. On top of BMW’s standard xDrive all-wheel drive system, there’s also the option for a locking M Sport rear differential on xDrive50i models. There’s also 8.7 inches of ground clearance to help manage tricky, low-traction conditions like deep snow.

BMW hasn’t announced fuel economy figures for the 2019 BMW X7, at time of writing.

Technology and Connectivity

All 2019 BMW X7 models come with what BMW calls Active Protection and Active Driving Assistant. Those systems feature blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, as well as front and rear collision detection. Those who opt for the X7 xDrive50i get Parking Assistant Plus, which adds a 360-degree camera system and a Head-up Display.

So far, pretty standard safety equipment. However, an option on the xDrive40i is Active Driving Assistant Professional. That adds Lane Keep Assist and Evasion Aid, which helps the car move out of the way of sudden obstacles.

The Extended Traffic Jam Assist feature is worth noting, as it adds a semi-autonomous function in low-speed, stop-and-go situations. In most of these systems, the driver still has to keep their hands on the wheel. However, the 2019 BMW X7 uses a camera to target the driver’s eyes and nose to see if they’re looking at the road ahead. If they are, the system does not require them to keep their hands on the wheel. Otherwise, the system requires drivers to put their hands on the wheel every 30 to 50 seconds.

BMW brings Live Cockpit Professional – a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display – to the new X7, as it revamps the rest of its lineup. On top of that, BMW also features the seventh generation of its iDrive infotainment and control system, also through a 12.3-inch display.

BMW will build the X7 alongside the rest of the range at its U.S. plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!