[Jefflikescars]

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Every article I read on the X7 makes it sound like the grill is outrageously large. I just read Motor Trend's Jan issue this morning and they praise the vehicle up and down, then make it seem like you shouldn't buy it just because of the grill. Is it really that big?

What about the:
- Audi Q8
- Maybach GLS
- Lexus (well, anything)
- Chevy Blazer
- GMC Yukon
- Cadillac Escalade

Is it just because it's bigger than previous BMWs? I just can't help but wonder why the entire auto industry is acting like the BMW has done something so absurd...

[DenverMisanthrope]

Amen, brother.

I don't get it either. Sure, it's larger than the X5 grille, but it's not disproportionate — the X7 is, after all, a larger vehicle. And I'd wager any of those other vehicles you mentioned have larger grilles in terms of absolute dimension, and while Lexus has taken flak, it seems to have largely subsided.

Maybe it's just because it's different than what people are used to, and it takes them time to acclimate. I'd like to think so, anyway, because the reaction seems WAAAAY over the top. The way some people respond, you'd think the X7's grille had personally insulted their mother.

[NYG1121]

Most reviewers acknowledge that the grill actually suits the vehicle when you see it in person. Which is also true for everyone who has seen my X7 (although it has the extended shadow line trim so it's a bit more subtle)

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by Jefflikescars

Is it really that big?

Drastic change from previous BMW models along with nonsensical comparisons with E30 kidney grills. Had this slowly evolved it would be a non-event. Audi saw the same criticism when they went bigger and was dubbed "wide mouth bass" or whatever and Aston Martin as well. Lexus was roasted for their aggressive Predator inspired grill on some of the most blah/conservative vehicles etc. People are not used to change. Especially the most vocal. Ever enjoy a movie that critics said was complete rubbish? Ever at a restaurant and loved the meal despite reviews? Opinions are like assh*les... everyone has one and they all stink.

[KRS_SN]

i saw an x7 in the flesh and it looked beautiful and the grille looked proportional and excellent. The new X5 grille on the other hand looks ill proportioned and like 2 lobes of prostate on its face.

[yousefnjr]

They say it's enormous because it is enormous. I actually just removed it from my wife's X7 today to fix her front camera. It's huge. I will admit that it has grown on me, however. Looks pretty good with M-sport and shadow trim.

[iconoclast]

it is large but it is proportional to the vehicle. if you put the x7 grill on a x1 it would be absurd.

exhibit a:


exhibit b:

[OtisX7]

I think it looks awesome.

[760Lifan]

Originally Posted by Jefflikescars

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Every article I read on the X7 makes it sound like the grill is outrageously large. I just read Motor Trend's Jan issue this morning and they praise the vehicle up and down, then make it seem like you shouldn't buy it just because of the grill. Is it really that big?

What about the:
- Audi Q8
- Maybach GLS
- Lexus (well, anything)
- Chevy Blazer
- GMC Yukon
- Cadillac Escalade

Is it just because it's bigger than previous BMWs? I just can't help but wonder why the entire auto industry is acting like the BMW has done something so absurd...

I totally agree.

And that's why I made a statement when I ordered mine:

On my Mineral White, I ordered the extended shadowline trim so that the grill looks even bigger:

https://youtu.be/7LvYm0uWW8s?t=2

[Waise]

First time I looked at it, it looked obviously larger and different especially with the more slimmer headlights. But my wife liked it. So after detail review I decided to buy it for my wife. Now looking back it sure looks very nice and the car has presence. Now I am looking into BMW 7 series for myself. It also has the larger kidney grill.

[Wild Blue]

I need a closer examination of Exhibit A.

[760Lifan]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

I need a closer examination of Exhibit A.

[sahajesh]

Nice grille on exhibit A - I'm sure it would benefit from regular polishing.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by Jefflikescars

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Every article I read on the X7 makes it sound like the grill is outrageously large. I just read Motor Trend's Jan issue this morning and they praise the vehicle up and down, then make it seem like you shouldn't buy it just because of the grill.

I was speaking with someone this morning who was asking me about my X7 because they have been contemplating purchasing one to get out of their GL. They mentioned the same thing and said every magazine or auto commentator says the grill is huge but he mentioned the same thing you did about other vehicles having larger grills or far more aggressive grills. I told him the same crap has been done for as long as I can remember... When the new Range Rover debuted it was ridiculed for have too many buttons, when the face lift 2010+ debuted they cut the buttons by 60% and it still had too many buttons and did not have a centralized system like iDrive/MMI meanwhile the Cayenne debuted with far more buttons and horrific layout of the buttons on every Cayenne until the present day variant and they praised it for having buttons and no iDrive/MMI. "Cockpit like feel", enhances the driving experience, driver's car etc. So go with what you like, there will always be a critic who doesnt like your favorite restaurant, who claims your favorite movie is rubbish or whatever in-between. Unless they're signing the check(s), pay no mind.

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by Jefflikescars

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Every article I read on the X7 makes it sound like the grill is outrageously large. I just read Motor Trend's Jan issue this morning and they praise the vehicle up and down, then make it seem like you shouldn't buy it just because of the grill. Is it really that big?

What about the:
- Audi Q8
- Maybach GLS
- Lexus (well, anything)
- Chevy Blazer
- GMC Yukon
- Cadillac Escalade

Is it just because it's bigger than previous BMWs? I just can't help but wonder why the entire auto industry is acting like the BMW has done something so absurd...

They're just looking for something to balance all the praise. It's all nonsense. I remember seeing my friends X7 for the first time; the grill is the first visual element that grabbed my attention. Commands attention and looks proportional IMO.

[Zavanelli]

The X7 is a beast. The grill fits the beast mode appeal. I like it. It's menacing and commands the eyes of that passing vehicle.

[DenverMisanthrope]

You know, I have an appreciation for provocative automotive design anyway. In the sea of cars out on the road in which one vehicle looks largely like another, I dig designs that stand out... for better or worse. Even the oddballs that fail spectacularly, I have to give them credit for risk taking.

One of these days, I'm going to get me a Pontiac Aztek. (I am not comparing the X7 to an Aztek, by the way.) Sure, it was ugly, but damn if it didn't have a style all its own.

[iconoclast]

you're in luck... it's available again:

[Wild Blue]

Only one thought when I see that:

Heisenberg

[toddwalton]

I love the huge grill. It has a big impact on the road, others look at it all the time.

It's like my watch, there's no mistaking who you're dealing with.

[huskerdoc2020]

Nice Rolex. I have 2 as well, but I prefer to wear my Apple Watch and watch my stocks rise. The Rolex can only, well tell time.