BMW’s flagship SUV received a facelift for the 2023 model year. The most noticeable change in its exterior is the split light cluster. The narrow-shaped lights on top are daytime running lights and double as turn signal indicators, while the actual LED headlamps are located in the dark shroud. Unless the lights are on during the night, it’s easy to mistake the daytime running lights as the main ones, which is what BMW wanted. Expect to see this new fascia in the upcoming 7-Series, i7, and Alpina XB7.
New updates on the 2023 BMW X7 include using the real estate inside the front grille to serve multiple functions. The front grille offers an optional illuminated feature standard on the M60i. At the rear, the new LED tail lamps are linked by a chrome bar with a glass cover. Buyers who opt for the optional M Sport package receive M-specific bodywork like unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, trapezoidal tailpipes, and double-spoke 21-inch wheels.
Those looking to reach further into the top shelf can opt for the M Sport Professional package for the BMW X7 M60i. This adds Shadowline black trim and the option of black or blue colored brake calipers and aero-friendly M door mirrors, larger air intakes, and plenty of M-badges. You can even specify “BMW M 50 Years” emblems to dress up the SUV’s hood, tailgate, and wheel center caps.
BMW offers two engines for the 2023 X7 SUV lineup. It starts with the XDrive40i using a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six, providing 375-hp and 383 lb.-ft of torque. The second engine is the brawnier twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523-hp and 553 lb.-ft. Finally, at the top of the range is the BMW Alpina XB7, which boosts the V8’s performance to 630-hp and 590 lb.-ft of torque.
All 2023 BMW X7s come standard with air suspension with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by the driver with a small toggle on the center console. One new feature is the activation of the X7’s Sprint function by pulling the left-hand shift paddle. This action drops the transmission to the lowest available gear while readjusting engine and chassis settings for full-attack performance mode. Inside, the 2023 BMW X7 receives a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch center touchscreen running the latest iDrive 8 software. The new BMW X7 is set to arrive in dealers by fall 2022.
In other automotive news, check out Ford’s 2022 GT Holman Moody Heritage Edition.
