October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

2023 BMW X7 First Drive Review: A More Powerful, More Divisive Luxury SUV

The refreshed 2023 BMW X7 brings split headlights, a curved display and mild-hybrid power. Here’s how the six-cylinder xDrive40i compares with the V8 M60i—and what reviewers found about comfort, the third row and 23-inch wheels.
Entry933 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The 2023 BMW X7 is a substantial mid-cycle refresh, not a clean-sheet redesign: it gains a split-headlight front end, BMW’s curved iDrive 8 display, more standard equipment and 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance for both U.S. powertrains. The xDrive40i is the more efficient, less expensive choice; the V8 M60i adds much quicker acceleration and chassis hardware, but costs more and uses more fuel. The refreshed X7 remains quiet and composed in first-drive reports, though its third row has limits—and Car and Driver found the optional 23-inch-wheel setup harsh over large bumps.

What changed on the 2023 BMW X7?

BMW’s U.S. launch description calls the 2023 model a broad refresh. The most conspicuous change is the front lighting: slim daytime running lights sit above separate lower headlight modules. BMW Group PressClub USA said, “For the first time on any BMW, split headlight units have been employed to provide the daytime driving lights on the one hand and to illuminate the road ahead on the other.” The new design is a matter of taste: Car and Driver called it polarizing, while Autoblog noted the attention it attracts and found the large-SUV styling not especially offensive.

Inside, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14.9-inch center touchscreen share a curved panel, running BMW’s iDrive 8 system. BMW also expanded standard equipment and driver-assistance features, and added 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to both U.S. engine variants. The available wheel range reached 23 inches, a first for BMW according to MotorTrend’s account of the refresh.

2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i vs. M60i: what is the difference?

The choice is primarily between the six-cylinder xDrive40i’s lower original price and better EPA fuel-economy ratings, and the M60i’s stronger V8 output, quicker acceleration and additional chassis equipment. The prices below are BMW’s U.S. launch MSRPs from April 2022, with destination shown separately; they are not current prices.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
BDTCTK 1:32 Comapatible for X5 SUV Model Car Toy, Zinc Alloy Pull Back Toy car with Sound and Light for Kids Boy Girl Gift(Black)
  • 1.Product dimension: 6.29 * 2.5 * 3 inches, Package weight: 0.48 pounds,Suitable for playing
  • 2. High-Quality Materials and Strong Pull Back: Diecast automobile model, zinc alloy, plastic parts, rubber tires, detailed interior and exterior decoration. Install a strong pull-back device,Place the car on the ground, hold down the car body and pull it back, the model car will drive forward
  • 3. Function: Side doors, hood and tailgate can be opened movably; Then press the two wheels of the front vehicle or open the front door to trigger the sound of engine and lamp
  • 4. Best Gifts Toys: This 1 / 32 toy car is very suitable for children. The paint is fine and feels good. It's very heavy to carry. It is also very suitable for car model lovers as decoration
  • 5. Accessories and collections: This product is very suitable for static accessories and can be used as an accessory next to a computer. For those who are passionate about collecting model car models, this is a great art collection.
Trim Engine and output BMW U.S. launch price (April 2022) EPA ratings listed by Car and Driver (2023)
xDrive40i 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six; 375 hp $77,850 base MSRP + $995 destination 21 city / 25 highway mpg
M60i 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8; 523 hp $103,100 base MSRP + $995 destination 16 city / 21 highway mpg

BMW said the xDrive40i’s six-cylinder output rose by 40 hp for 2023, and both engines use 48-volt mild-hybrid systems. BMW listed Integral Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization as standard on the M60i. Autoblog gave launch figures of $78,845 for the xDrive40i and $104,095 for the M60i, apparently including destination; those totals reflect a different price presentation from BMW’s base-MSRP-plus-destination figures.

Acceleration and fuel use

Car and Driver recorded 0–60 mph in 3.8 seconds in its tested M60i and reported 4.6 seconds for the xDrive40i in its overview. These are that publication’s results, not BMW performance guarantees. Car and Driver’s M60i also returned 23 mpg in its 75-mph highway test; that is a publication test result, distinct from the EPA ratings in the table.

Rank #2
BDTCTK 1:32 Comapatible for X5 SUV Model Car Toy, Zinc Alloy Pull Back Toy car with Sound and Light for Kids Boy Girl Gift(White)
  • 1.Product dimension: 6.29 * 2.5 * 3 inches, Package weight: 0.48 pounds,Suitable for playing
  • 2. High-Quality Materials and Strong Pull Back: Diecast automobile model, zinc alloy, plastic parts, rubber tires, detailed interior and exterior decoration. Install a strong pull-back device,Place the car on the ground, hold down the car body and pull it back, the model car will drive forward
  • 3. Function: Side doors, hood and tailgate can be opened movably; Then press the two wheels of the front vehicle or open the front door to trigger the sound of engine and lamp
  • 4. Best Gifts Toys: This 1 / 32 toy car is very suitable for children. The paint is fine and feels good. It's very heavy to carry. It is also very suitable for car model lovers as decoration
  • 5.Accessories and collections: This product is very suitable for static accessories and can be used as an accessory next to a computer. For those who are passionate about collecting model car models, this is a great art collection.

How does the 2023 X7 drive and ride?

Autoblog described the X7 as quiet and composed, praising its adjustable air suspension, confident cornering and control on winding roads, while noting limited steering feedback. Car and Driver found the steering accurate and the chassis composed, and said the SUV felt smaller than its size suggests. These are reviewers’ driving impressions rather than instrumented measurements.

Does the 2023 BMW X7 ride harshly on 23-inch wheels?

It did in Car and Driver’s test: the publication reported harsh impacts over large bumps with its 23-inch-wheel vehicle, while describing 21- and 22-inch setups as riding better. That finding applies to the test vehicle and conditions, not every X7 fitted with 23-inch wheels. Anyone prioritizing ride comfort should compare the exact wheel-and-tire configuration on the vehicle they are considering.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
ERBADIHAGO Toy Cars Compatible for M4 1/32 Scale Diecast Metal Model Car
  • 1 :32 Model Car Size: 16x 7x 5cm. Just the right size for little ones to grasp. It's Made of non-Toxic Water-Based Paint,So it Doesn’t Contain Formaldehyde and any Other HarmfulCute cars for kids ages 3-5.
  • High quality toy car models:Toy car opening doors and engine compartment, the model car has movable parts, lights and hood open to see the motor.
  • Function: Pull back model car, engine sound and light. Press the two wheels of the front car to trigger the engine sound and lights, and open the door to trigger the lights of the front and rear lights. Place the car on the ground, hold down the car body and pull it back, the model car will drive forward.
  • Car Toys for Kids:Exquisite Packaging,Interesting Functions,Solid Materials,Suitable for Christmas and Birthday Gifts.With a collection of souvenirs for friends and family. It can be displayed to increase beauty and appreciation.
  • Material:toy car made of zinc alloy and excellent ABS material, rubber tiresit, is stronger and more resistant to fall than ordinary plastic. detailed interior and exterior trim.It's Made of non-Toxic Water-Based Paint,So it Doesn’t Contain Formaldehyde and any Other Harmful.

Is the 2023 BMW X7 comfortable and practical inside?

The cabin’s curved display gives the dashboard a clean, modern appearance, but the interface may take adjustment. Autoblog criticized iDrive 8’s usability, and Car and Driver found gesture controls more gimmicky than useful; the rotary controller remains an alternative way to operate the system.

The X7 is a large three-row SUV, but the third row is not as accommodating as its exterior scale might suggest. Car and Driver found it not especially roomy for adults on prolonged drives. In that publication’s test, the power-operated second-row captain’s chair moved slowly when used to reach the third row, and three carry-on suitcases fit behind the third row.

Rank #4
Sale
Solido 1:18 Scale BMW M3 (G81) Touring with Performance Parts Frozen Pure Grey Metallic 2024 Diecast Model Car S1813702
  • SOLIDO BRAND QUALITY: Solido is known for producing high-quality diecast model cars with exceptional detail, durable construction, and accurate representations of real vehicles. Each model is crafted with precision and built to last.
  • BMW OFFICIALLY LICENSED MODEL: This BMW M3 (G81) Touring model is officially licensed, accurately representing the modern performance wagon with BMW M styling and proportions. It reflects the design and identity of the 2024 model, including performance-oriented visual elements.
  • FEATURES & DETAILS: This 1:18 scale model measures approximately 10 inches in length. It features opening front doors and a detailed interior. The model includes free-rolling wheels with rubber tires and does not come with a display base, focusing on accurate proportions and realistic presentation.
  • TOP QUALITY MATERIALS: Made from diecast metal with plastic detailing, this model ensures durability and realistic finishing. The Frozen Pure Grey Metallic paint is carefully applied, while interior and exterior components are precisely molded to match the real vehicle.
  • COLLECTIBLE DISPLAY ITEM: Designed for collectors aged 14 and above, this BMW M3 Touring model is a premium display piece and not a toy. It is ideal for enthusiasts of modern performance vehicles and makes a strong addition to any diecast collection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What the first-drive evidence does—and does not—tell you

These launch-era reviews and specifications describe the 2023 U.S.-market refresh, its equipment, and selected publication test results. They do not establish long-term reliability, repair costs, representative owner satisfaction, current used-car prices or current safety ratings.

Best Value
TOKAXI 1/36 Scale BMW M4 Diecast Model Cars,Pull Back Vehicles BMW Toy Cars,Cars Gifts for Boys Girls(Black)
  • High-Quality Materials:The BMW M4 die-cast car is made of zinc alloy,plastic parts and rubber tires,making it safe for children to play with.It features detailed interior and exterior trim, and is very sturdy.
  • Function:No batteries are required, but the vehicle has a powerful pull back feature. Simply pull it back, then release your hand, and the car will go for a long distance. The doors may be opened to view the whole inside of the vehicle. So appealing to children and collectors alike.
  • Size:1/36 scale vehicle model with beautiful English packaging,ideal for toddlers to play with and carry. Car collectors will appreciate the perfect small size, which allows them to collect a complete set of cars without taking up too much space.
  • Grow From Play:Help children learn more about car ,expand their knowledge ,increase the hand-eye coordination and the reaction speed of the children in the play.
  • Ideal Christmas Festival Gift:All of TOKAXI die-cast model cars are attractively packaged in English, making them the perfect Christmas, Birthday, Children's Day, New Year gift for kids, party favors, home decorations, or travel toys for boys and girls.gifts for boys girls.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.