The best alternative, IMHO, I have seen for BMW is the Stealth Hitch:
https://stealthhitches.com/products/...7-2019-present
Admittedly though, I would prefer the OEM solution over this or any other aftermarket solution for the X7 (even though this looks better cosmetically since the receiver is hidden). Mechanically, this aftermarket solution should be just as capable and safe as the factory solution as this one appears to attach to the X7 at the same attachment points. However, the factory solution also includes some additional towing electronic modules (and buttons) that interface with the rest of the car (like iDrive, the air suspension, etc) - a much more seamless and complete integration with the X7 IMHO. I am sure that some coding could "turn on" some of the trailer functionality in iDrive. But adding the other trailer hitch electronic interfaces to the SUV may not be as easy without additional wiring harnesses and/or the trailer hitch module. It would require a bit more research to confirm if the factory trailer wiring is pre-installed so that adding an aftermarket trailer hitch solution is a bit more plug an play.
If you are curious, the factory trailer hitch removal/installation procedure can be seen here:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/g...ies/1Vne7hY0CR
And according to RealOEM, there appears to be a possible factory trailer hitch retrofit out there based on the info comment in the parts list below (but I don't know if this retrofit is available at US dealers yet or if at all):
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=71_1119