The BMW X7, since its debut in 2018, has stood as the flagship SUV in the brand’s lineup, renowned for its size and luxury. The refreshed LCI version, introduced in April 2022, brought updated styling and technology. While many anticipated a plug-in hybrid variant to join the powertrain options, BMW maintained its strategy of equipping all X7 models with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This approach continues into the 2025 model year, leaving enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers wondering about the future of hybrid technology in the BMW X7.
Current Powertrain Strategy: Mild-Hybrid Focus
From its inception, the BMW X7 has incorporated a 48V mild-hybrid system alongside its internal combustion engines. This system enhances fuel efficiency and provides smoother start-stop operation, contributing to a more refined driving experience. However, a dedicated plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or fully electric version has yet to materialize for this full-size SUV. According to reports, BMW’s engineering considerations regarding weight and space have played a significant role in this decision against a PHEV X7 in the current generation.
The substantial size and weight of the X7 are already considerable. Integrating a battery pack and the associated hardware necessary for a plug-in hybrid system would further increase the vehicle’s weight. Furthermore, packaging constraints within the existing X7 architecture pose a challenge. Engineers would likely need to compromise on passenger space, particularly in the third row, or reduce cargo capacity to accommodate the battery, potentially diminishing the practicality that is a core appeal of the X7. This trade-off, for what might be a limited all-electric driving range in a large SUV, is seemingly not deemed optimal by BMW at this time.
However, the landscape is evolving. BMW is reportedly investing in a fully electric X7, tentatively named the iX7, expected later this decade. This suggests a shift towards full electrification as the preferred direction for a future “hybrid” X7, aligning with anticipated market demands for zero-emission large SUVs.
Design Evolution: Modern BMW Aesthetics
2024 BMW X7 M60i front three quarter
Alt text: Angular front view of a 2024 BMW X7 M60i showcasing its split headlight design.
2024 BMW X7 M60i rear three quarter
Alt text: Rear three-quarter view of a 2024 BMW X7 M60i highlighting its distinctive taillights and chrome strip.
The exterior design of the 2025 BMW X7 presents a bold and contemporary BMW face. The split headlamp configuration is a key design element, with sleek LED daytime running lights positioned above and the main headlight beams housed in rectangular units below. The front bumper incorporates functional air inlets, including vertical air curtains at the sides and a lower air dam beneath the prominent kidney grille.
An illuminated kidney grille, a striking visual feature, comes standard on the 2025 BMW X7 M60i xDrive, further enhancing its premium appeal. The X7’s side profile is characterized by a sharp character line that runs parallel to the chrome window surround, along with standard roof rails. Wheel sizes extend up to 23 inches, emphasizing its imposing stance. At the rear, the 3D taillights, connected by a chrome strip and displaying a unique geometric pattern with BMW lettering, set the X7 apart from other BMW SUVs.
Unique Styling for M60i and Alpina XB7
2023 BMW X7 M60i front
Alt text: Frontal view of a 2023 BMW X7 M60i in M Marina Blue Metallic, emphasizing its M badging and grille.
The M60i variant distinguishes itself with exclusive details. The illuminated BMW grille is standard, and the unique M Marina Blue Metallic paint option is reserved for this model. M badging, aero-optimized M mirrors, standard 22-inch double-spoke alloy wheels in a dual-tone finish, and quad exhaust pipes further differentiate the M60i. The Alpina XB7 also features a distinct front apron, setting it apart from the standard X7 models.
For those seeking a sportier aesthetic in the X7 xDrive40i, the optional M Sport package adds gloss black exterior elements. This includes unique front and rear aprons, a gloss black grille surround, blacked-out window surrounds and exterior trim, 21-inch alloy wheels, and trapezoidal exhaust finishers, enhancing the SUV’s dynamic visual presence.
Interior Refinement and Advanced Technology
2024 BMW X7 M60i interior
Alt text: Luxurious interior of a 2024 BMW X7 M60i showcasing the curved display and premium materials.
2024 BMW X7 M60i second-row seats
Alt text: Spacious second-row seating in a 2024 BMW X7 M60i highlighting comfort and legroom.
The interior of the BMW X7 exudes luxury and high-quality craftsmanship, consistent with BMW’s standards. Optional BMW Individual Merino leather trim in Ivory White or Atlas Grey provides upscale customization, with Extended Merino leather standard on the X7 M60i. The X7 xDrive40i comes standard with a premium vegan interior called Sensafin. For the 2025 BMW X7 LCI, a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats are included as standard features, befitting a vehicle in this luxury segment. An illuminated ambient lighting bar on the dashboard, displaying “X7” or “M” graphics depending on the model, adds a sophisticated touch to the cabin ambiance.
iDrive 8.5 Operating System
The interior layout echoes the modern BMW design language seen in models like the iX and i4, featuring a curved dual-screen panel. This integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, slightly angled towards the driver. These screens are powered by BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 operating system, offering enhanced processing power and a more intuitive user experience. The iDrive 8.5 system supports over-the-air updates, touch operation, natural language voice control, and gesture control, providing versatile interaction options.
2024 BMW X7 M60i dashboard ambient light stripe
Alt text: Ambient lighting strip on the dashboard of a 2024 BMW X7 M60i, featuring the M badge.
Navigation is enhanced with an augmented view function, overlaying live video from the driver’s perspective with contextual information for guidance at complex intersections. The system also boasts 5G connectivity and comes standard with Personal eSim, effectively making the SUV a fully connected device, linked to the owner’s BMW ID for seamless integration across compatible BMW vehicles.
Intelligent Personal Assistant
The Personal Assistant feature adds another layer of convenience. Utilizing natural language, occupants can interact with the assistant to control various vehicle functions, such as climate settings, the panoramic sunroof, and windows. The system is designed to recognize the speaker’s location, “turning” towards the source of voice commands. Visual feedback from the Personal Assistant is displayed on the digital cockpit, heads-up display, or center screen, depending on the context and speaker.
M60i Sport Interior Details
2024 BMW X7 M60i dashboard driver side
Alt text: Driver’s side dashboard of a 2024 BMW X7 M60i showing M-colored stitching on the steering wheel and Fineline wood trim.
The M60i interior emphasizes its sporty character with “M Sport Design” elements. Illuminated door sills with M60i lettering, M-colored stitching on the steering wheel, and Fineline wood trim with gloss metal accents create a distinctive ambiance. When specified with M-specific ambient lighting colors, the headliner is finished in Anthracite Alcantara. Carbon-fiber interior trim is available as an option exclusively for the M60i, appealing to driving enthusiasts.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The X7 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including parking assistant, trailer assistant, and maneuver assistant. The trailer assistant simplifies reversing while towing, and the maneuver assistant can memorize and automate driving maneuvers up to 200 meters, controlling acceleration, braking, steering, and gear changes. While these systems enhance convenience, drivers are still responsible for monitoring the vehicle’s surroundings during automated maneuvers. Standard safety features for the U.S. market include a front collision warning system with pedestrian and cyclist detection and oncoming traffic alerts.
Performance and Specifications: Mild-Hybrid Power
2024 BMW X7 M60i side profile
Alt text: Side profile of a 2024 BMW X7 M60i, highlighting its large size and seven-seat configuration.
The 2025 BMW X7 offers two petrol engine options in the U.S., both incorporating mild-hybrid technology. The top-tier X7 M60i xDrive features a 4.4-liter petrol V8 producing 523 bhp and 553 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in approximately 4.5 seconds. The second engine choice is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, delivering 375 bhp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The 48V mild-hybrid system provides a torque boost up to 398 lb-ft, accelerating the BMW X7 xDrive40i from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 5.6 seconds.
The Alpina XB7 shares the same mild-hybrid powertrain as the X7 M60i xDrive but is tuned for increased output. Its 4.4-liter biturbo V8 generates 631 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 180 mph. All 2025 BMW X7 variants are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with drive modes influencing shift characteristics.
Adaptive Suspension and Rear-Axle Steering
Rear-axle steering, becoming increasingly prevalent in modern vehicles, is standard on the M60i and optional on the xDrive40i with the Dynamic Handling Package. This system enhances agility by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at lower speeds and in the same direction at higher speeds.
The X7’s renowned ride quality is underpinned by a sophisticated adaptive air suspension system. Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview utilizes road data from navigation and the front camera to proactively adjust damper settings, ensuring a consistently smooth and comfortable ride, particularly for rear passengers.
2023 BMW X7 headlamps and illuminated grille
Alt text: Close-up of 2023 BMW X7 headlamps and illuminated grille, showing the split headlight design and glowing grille.
Pricing and Market Performance
The 2025 BMW X7 has a starting MSRP of USD 84,675 for the xDrive 40i variant and USD 112,075 for the M60i. The Alpina XB7 tops the range at USD 153,395. Production takes place at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina.
North America remains a key market for BMW, with SUVs, especially the X7, performing strongly in the U.S. market compared to sedans. However, 2023 saw a slight sales dip for the X7, declining by 6.2% year-over-year to 28,797 units. The first half of 2024 also indicates a challenging sales environment, with deliveries down 7.9% year-over-year.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 BMW X7
When was the 2025 BMW X7 released?
The 2025 BMW X7 is currently available for purchase in the United States.
What is the base price of the BMW X7?
The 2025 BMW X7 xDrive 40i starts at USD 84,675.
What are the main competitors of the 2025 BMW X7?
The BMW X7 competes with other luxury SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7, and Range Rover.
