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      10-27-2018, 01:17 PM   #1
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First Impressions

I was at a private event and was able to see the X7 up close and personal.

My initial thoughts (and those of the wife):
  • The wife thought the grill looked small for the proportions
  • The X7, by US standards, didn't look overtly large - no bigger than a GMC Yukon and smaller than a Yukon XL
  • Interior looks good and similar to newer BMWs (G30)
  • The rear seats (2nd row) were comfortable with sufficient leg room. I couldn't move the seats back (or forward) than what the car was defaulted to (demo mode?)
  • I didn't sit in the third row but there appears to be more room than the X5. An adult or two could sit back there although probably not recommended for long trips.
  • The front was nice and comfortable (couldn't adjust seats). Fit and finish was great and what one might expect from this car.
  • Heated/cooled cup holders were a nice touch but I'm not sure if it will have a real impact on the temp of your beverage. It's there to keep your beverage cooler/warmer longer for long trips but you may be finished drinking before the drink would equalize to ambient temperature anyway.
  • I LOVE the rear clamshell! Unlike the older X5, this is setup like the G05 where both the top and bottom clamshell are powered. Many other SUV's use the mini-van style rear hatch that leaves the bumper exposed when loading gear. The clamshell protects the bumper and is a better design, in my opinion.
  • The rear doors are HUGE. This makes ingress and egress easier. However, good luck finding a parking space big enough for the rear doors. (more on this later)
  • I'm not sure if it's standard or optional but I hope the side steps can be deleted from the build sheet. They're not very big but they will dirty your pant leg when getting out of the car in the winter.
  • The engine bay is not very impressive. It looks like there is room for a kicker engine on top. Clearly BMW didn't need to make the front that large so there is lots of room to spare under the hood.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the X7. BMW has a winner and while I no longer need an SUV of that size, I do wish it was an option a few years ago. We'll probably get another X5 in 9 months. Although, the X7 is tempting and who knows if the wife will want something bigger. I just don't know where we would park it around here where parking spaces are not as generous as other parts of the US.

The question will be who will buy it. I can see this as a real estate car, a limo, and maybe a family car. As a family car, the doors will make it a bit of a challenge for families with smaller kids. While loading the car with carseats will be easy. Younger kids are likely to let the rear barn doors fly open and take out another kid walking on the other side of the sidewalk at the school drop off line. The middle seats also power slide forward to allow the people in the third row exit the car. I don't think smaller children will have the patience to wait for the seat to slide forward and you'll have the little ones jump over and stepping all over the middle seat to quickly exit the car. The cargo area wasn't very large with the third row seats up. It's similar to some minivans where you have room for groceries but any trips to Costco may require laying one of the third row seats down. My 100 lb dog would be pretty cramped in the back with the three rows if I removed the cargo cover.

The 7-Series hasn't been a big seller but I can see BMW selling quite a few more of the X7 in the US. I can hardly imagine the X7 in the streets of Berlin or Paris.
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      10-27-2018, 02:07 PM   #2
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Thanks for your thoughts, Pictor. Can you elaborate on the 2nd row legroom, please? You say the seats were fixed in place, does that mean the driver's seat could not be slid forward or back for you to evaluate the 2nd row legroom in different conditions? On paper, there's only 0.2 inches more legroom than an X5.
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      10-27-2018, 08:18 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Blue View Post
Thanks for your thoughts, Pictor. Can you elaborate on the 2nd row legroom, please? You say the seats were fixed in place, does that mean the driver's seat could not be slid forward or back for you to evaluate the 2nd row legroom in different conditions? On paper, there's only 0.2 inches more legroom than an X5.
This was the event car that seemed to have the seat controls disabled. Probably to prevent people from constantly fiddling with the seats. So I couldn't really tell how much room could be made for the 2nd row but I'm average height and I felt comfortable in the 2nd row. Another attendee who was maybe 6' 2" looked a little cramped but I think there would have been room to move the captain's chairs back some at the expense of the third row. It definitely felt more roomy than our F15 X5 but that could also be the fact that the X5 has a bench seat in the back vs. the captains chairs in the X7.
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      10-28-2018, 07:35 AM   #4
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Thanks! I just need to evaluate the 2nd row legroom for myself. On paper, it doesn't look good, but need to try it out and see what adjustments are possible.
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      10-31-2018, 05:45 PM   #5
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2nd Row Seating Legroom

Thanks for the detailed info on your in-person observation. I am counting on the X7 captain's chairs offering more legroom for my two school age children. They come to carpool with lunch boxes, water bottles, musical instruments, projects and roller backpacks. It's all too much for our current setup in an X5. I'm really hoping that the X7 will be the answer.
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      11-01-2018, 01:01 PM   #6
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I am going to one of these events next week. Private showing of the X7 and new 8 series. The invite said that cellphones will have to be checked at the door because the X7 has not been 'officially unveiled' yet.
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      11-01-2018, 04:48 PM   #7
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Please specifically check out the legroom in the 2nd row, with the driver's seat slid fully back. Can the 2nd row seats be slid any further back to create more 2nd room legroom?

Thanks in advance!
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      11-01-2018, 07:13 PM   #8
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Do you remember seeing USB-C ports in the 2nd or 3rd row?
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      11-03-2018, 05:40 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Blue View Post
Please specifically check out the legroom in the 2nd row, with the driver's seat slid fully back. Can the 2nd row seats be slid any further back to create more 2nd room legroom?

Thanks in advance!
Yes, I've seen that in the Autogefühl video.
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      11-03-2018, 07:25 PM   #10
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      11-04-2018, 01:19 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by advantage20 View Post
Yes, I've seen that in the Autogefühl video.
Roger. Not that the seats slide, we know they do. But from the specified 37.6 inch legroom, (only 0.2 more than the G05) can the seat slide BACK for more 2nd row legroom? Or only forward, to give more 3rd row legroom?

All indications are that is only slides forward, that everything about the X7 caters to the 3rd row, not the 2nd, which at its best, is only equal to the G05, no more.
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      11-05-2018, 09:30 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by menohuman View Post
Do you remember seeing USB-C ports in the 2nd or 3rd row?
I don't recall them on the 3rd row but I wasn't looking either. They were there on the 2nd row.
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      11-11-2018, 02:59 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Blue View Post
Roger. Not that the seats slide, we know they do. But from the specified 37.6 inch legroom, (only 0.2 more than the G05) can the seat slide BACK for more 2nd row legroom? Or only forward, to give more 3rd row legroom?

All indications are that is only slides forward, that everything about the X7 caters to the 3rd row, not the 2nd, which at its best, is only equal to the G05, no more.
The second row max room is 37.6, leaving the third row a max of 33.3 I think I read? Roughly 2” less than a Benz GLS, 6” more than a q7.

This car most certainly does not prioritize the 3rd tow. It’s cramped compared to GLS current gen
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      11-12-2018, 01:03 PM   #14
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I respectfully disagree. The X7 is 9 inches longer than the G05. However, the front row legroom is exactly the same as a G05. (39.8 inches) The 2nd row legroom is the same as the G05. (37.6 inches vs 37.4 inches) BMW made the X7 9 inches longer than the G05, and did not put ANY of that extra room into the first or (especially) the 2nd row legroom. It went to the 3rd row.

Now, in the sedan lineup, if you are looking at the 5-series, and want more 2nd row legroom, going up to the 7 series sedan increases 2nd row legroom by a whopping 8 inches!!!! (44.4 inches vs 36.5 inches) In making the 7-series sedan, BMW makes the 2nd row the priority compared to the 5-series.

Comparing the X7 2nd row legroom to other full/jumbo-sized SUV's of various pricings, smallest to largest, we have:

X7: 37.6 inches
Land Rover: 37.6 inches
Mercedes GLS: 38.5 inches
Dodge Durango: 38.6 inches
Audi Q7: 38.8 inches
Cadillac Escalade: 39.0 inches
Chevy Tahoe: 39.0 inches
GMC Yukon: 39.0 inches
GMC Yukon XL: 39.7 inches
Chevy Suburban: 39.7 inches
Toyota Sequoia: 40.9 inches
Bentley Bentayga: 40.9 inches
Infiniti QX80: 41.0 inches
Ford Expedition: 41.5 inches
Lincoln Navigator: 42.3 inches

The new, bigger, BMW X7, has the smallest 2nd row legroom of all of them!

I do not mean to say that BMW has made the X7 3rd row 7-series-like luxury legroom, and it's better than the 2nd row. Rather that, when designing the X7, BMW expanded the G05 X5, and instead of giving more luxury to the 2nd row, decided to make the priority putting all extras into the 3rd row. Thus, the X7 really is a G05 with a moderate-sized 3rd row.

Last edited by Wild Blue; 11-12-2018 at 01:40 PM..
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      11-14-2018, 05:37 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Blue View Post
I respectfully disagree. The X7 is 9 inches longer than the G05. However, the front row legroom is exactly the same as a G05. (39.8 inches) The 2nd row legroom is the same as the G05. (37.6 inches vs 37.4 inches) BMW made the X7 9 inches longer than the G05, and did not put ANY of that extra room into the first or (especially) the 2nd row legroom. It went to the 3rd row.

Now, in the sedan lineup, if you are looking at the 5-series, and want more 2nd row legroom, going up to the 7 series sedan increases 2nd row legroom by a whopping 8 inches!!!! (44.4 inches vs 36.5 inches) In making the 7-series sedan, BMW makes the 2nd row the priority compared to the 5-series.

Comparing the X7 2nd row legroom to other full/jumbo-sized SUV's of various pricings, smallest to largest, we have:

X7: 37.6 inches
Land Rover: 37.6 inches
Mercedes GLS: 38.5 inches
Dodge Durango: 38.6 inches
Audi Q7: 38.8 inches
Cadillac Escalade: 39.0 inches
Chevy Tahoe: 39.0 inches
GMC Yukon: 39.0 inches
GMC Yukon XL: 39.7 inches
Chevy Suburban: 39.7 inches
Toyota Sequoia: 40.9 inches
Bentley Bentayga: 40.9 inches
Infiniti QX80: 41.0 inches
Ford Expedition: 41.5 inches
Lincoln Navigator: 42.3 inches

The new, bigger, BMW X7, has the smallest 2nd row legroom of all of them!

I do not mean to say that BMW has made the X7 3rd row 7-series-like luxury legroom, and it's better than the 2nd row. Rather that, when designing the X7, BMW expanded the G05 X5, and instead of giving more luxury to the 2nd row, decided to make the priority putting all extras into the 3rd row. Thus, the X7 really is a G05 with a moderate-sized 3rd row.
oh yes completely agree with that take. of the new length, it all went to creating a usable 3rd row, rather than make a best in class second row.
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      11-15-2018, 05:13 AM   #16
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I have a feeling they will release a two row version of X7 with lot more leg room for rear.
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      11-15-2018, 08:09 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Blue View Post
I respectfully disagree. The X7 is 9 inches longer than the G05. However, the front row legroom is exactly the same as a G05. (39.8 inches) The 2nd row legroom is the same as the G05. (37.6 inches vs 37.4 inches) BMW made the X7 9 inches longer than the G05, and did not put ANY of that extra room into the first or (especially) the 2nd row legroom. It went to the 3rd row.

Now, in the sedan lineup, if you are looking at the 5-series, and want more 2nd row legroom, going up to the 7 series sedan increases 2nd row legroom by a whopping 8 inches!!!! (44.4 inches vs 36.5 inches) In making the 7-series sedan, BMW makes the 2nd row the priority compared to the 5-series.

Comparing the X7 2nd row legroom to other full/jumbo-sized SUV's of various pricings, smallest to largest, we have:

X7: 37.6 inches
Land Rover: 37.6 inches
Mercedes GLS: 38.5 inches
Dodge Durango: 38.6 inches
Audi Q7: 38.8 inches
Cadillac Escalade: 39.0 inches
Chevy Tahoe: 39.0 inches
GMC Yukon: 39.0 inches
GMC Yukon XL: 39.7 inches
Chevy Suburban: 39.7 inches
Toyota Sequoia: 40.9 inches
Bentley Bentayga: 40.9 inches
Infiniti QX80: 41.0 inches
Ford Expedition: 41.5 inches
Lincoln Navigator: 42.3 inches

The new, bigger, BMW X7, has the smallest 2nd row legroom of all of them!

I do not mean to say that BMW has made the X7 3rd row 7-series-like luxury legroom, and it's better than the 2nd row. Rather that, when designing the X7, BMW expanded the G05 X5, and instead of giving more luxury to the 2nd row, decided to make the priority putting all extras into the 3rd row. Thus, the X7 really is a G05 with a moderate-sized 3rd row.
Does it get better or change if you choose the second row captains chairs 6 passenger option for the X7?

I know that the captains chairs are full power and move back and forth like the front seats.
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      11-15-2018, 10:28 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cracker123 View Post
I have a feeling they will release a two row version of X7 with lot more leg room for rear.
That is EXACTLY what I would be looking for. Give an option to delete the 3rd row, and instead move the 2nd row back by maybe 8-9 inches. Create a 7-series-like luxury SUV with an extended 2nd row.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueBMWM5CP View Post
Does it get better or change if you choose the second row captains chairs 6 passenger option for the X7?

I know that the captains chairs are full power and move back and forth like the front seats.
Unfortunately, indications are that the choice of 2nd row seating does not change the legroom at all. Time will tell.

Last edited by Wild Blue; 11-15-2018 at 10:34 AM..
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      11-15-2018, 11:24 AM   #19
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BMW offers a 2 row SUV with huge legroom in row 2, it's called the Rolls Royce Cullinan at 210" long while the X7 is 203". I jokingly call it the X9.
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      11-16-2018, 12:50 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by like2short View Post
BMW offers a 2 row SUV with huge legroom in row 2, it's called the Rolls Royce Cullinan at 210" long while the X7 is 203". I jokingly call it the X9.
LOL. Yeah, the Cullinan does indeed look great. I couldn't find rear legroom specs when I was doing my research, but it's far more luxurious than any other SUV on the market. Sadly, even if I sell both kidneys, liver, and maybe even my brain, I don't think I'd be able to afford the $300,000 price tag.
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      11-19-2018, 06:22 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Blue View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by like2short View Post
BMW offers a 2 row SUV with huge legroom in row 2, it's called the Rolls Royce Cullinan at 210" long while the X7 is 203". I jokingly call it the X9.
LOL. Yeah, the Cullinan does indeed look great. I couldn't find rear legroom specs when I was doing my research, but it's far more luxurious than any other SUV on the market. Sadly, even if I sell both kidneys, liver, and maybe even my brain, I don't think I'd be able to afford the $300,000 price tag.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Blue View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by like2short View Post
BMW offers a 2 row SUV with huge legroom in row 2, it's called the Rolls Royce Cullinan at 210" long while the X7 is 203". I jokingly call it the X9.
LOL. Yeah, the Cullinan does indeed look great. I couldn't find rear legroom specs when I was doing my research, but it's far more luxurious than any other SUV on the market. Sadly, even if I sell both kidneys, liver, and maybe even my brain, I don't think I'd be able to afford the $300,000 price tag.

My kids and I checked it out in Los Angeles, it does have huge leg room but not really more than a 7 Series long wheelbase. [IMG][/IMG]
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      11-20-2018, 09:03 PM   #22
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I was invited to an event In Chicago next month. Will share some thoughts then.
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