[MancladLA]

I thought that the X7 and especially the LCI was an overall move by BMW to move the X7 as close to the 7 series as possible and away from the rhetoric of its just a big X5. However, aside from the polarizing front end lots of what I am reading is the car is moving further away from the 7 series as luxury elements get removed. Why would they do this when the SUV segment is the hottest car segment and cars like the URUS / Cullinan / Range Rover show people are willing to spend big $ on luxury SUVs. Why not make an X7 that really is a 7 series SUV.

[BMW5and7]

I really think it is more of a supply chain issue and BMW going really cheap for a short period of time for whatever reason…; and I hope at some point we get some of those luxury elements back to the LCI, including the metal-like buttons for instance, adaptive headlights, laser headlights, etc…

[MancladLA]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

I really think it is more of a supply chain issue and BMW going really cheap for a short period of time for whatever reason…; and I hope at some point we get some of those luxury elements back to the LCI, including the metal-like buttons for instance, adaptive headlights, laser headlights, etc…

I hope so… but even before the current issues they began this trend. The removal of the suede on the the Sun shade and X7 branded shelf for example. I would just really like to see a real 7 series X7 and real S GLS. It would tempt more $ out of my wallet.

[BMW5and7]

Was the X7 branded shelf really removed for pre LCI recently or the LCI?!! I have it...!

[MancladLA]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Was the X7 branded shelf really removed for pre LCI recently or the LCI?!! I have it...!

No - the shelf is there - but it is now just nylon vs suede which it was originally.

[MancladLA]

I wonder if RR owners have noticed the Cullinan lacks the features of the RR cars

[wtwo3]

You can't really compare the X7 to ultra low volume cars like the URUS/Cullinan/Range Rover (The Range perhaps isn't "ultra" low volume, but in comparison to BMW, Range isn't even on the radar).

BMW is a volume luxury brand, and they place priority on sku rationalization as a result of things like, consumer take rates, supply chain constraints, and model cannibalization. They perhaps COULD offer a top tier X7 version with all the bells and whistles, but they may have determined it's not cost effective to do so.

There aren't enough people willing to be tempted with more $ out of their wallets for a high volume brand like BMW to justify certain options. And for those people? BMW does offer something - the Cullinan. This is outside of the supply chain issues - which have had a huge impact on what's offered vs. taken away.

[BMW5and7]

Also, we have to give BMW credit for offering vehicles at a lower price than other direct competitors like Mbenz and RR. Think about about the GLS vs X7? Last time I did the comparison, a similarly spec'd GLS would cost more than X7. The same is true for the 7-series vs S-class. Now you can get a really nice 7-series + M-sport with the smaller 6 cylinder engine, or X7 40i + M-sport, for less than 100K. I don't think this is possible for the S-class and GLS.....
Do you all agree?

[MancladLA]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

You can't really compare the X7 to ultra low volume cars like the URUS/Cullinan/Range Rover (The Range perhaps isn't "ultra" low volume, but in comparison to BMW, Range isn't even on the radar).

BMW is a volume luxury brand, and they place priority on sku rationalization as a result of things like, consumer take rates, supply chain constraints, and model cannibalization. They perhaps COULD offer a top tier X7 version with all the bells and whistles, but they may have determined it's not cost effective to do so.

There aren't enough people willing to be tempted with more $ out of their wallets for a high volume brand like BMW to justify certain options. And for those people? BMW does offer something - the Cullinan. This is outside of the supply chain issues - which have had a huge impact on what's offered vs. taken away.

All good points. However, my main point is why not make a true 7 series in X7 format? SUVs are the leading vehicle category so surely they would make more $ from a true 7 X7 than the 7 - there would be more volume.

[MancladLA]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Also, we have to give BMW credit for offering vehicles at a lower price than other direct competitors like Mbenz and RR. Think about about the GLS vs X7? Last time I did the comparison, a similarly spec'd GLS would cost more than X7. The same is true for the 7-series vs S-class. Now you can get a really nice 7-series + M-sport with the smaller 6 cylinder engine, or X7 40i + M-sport, for less than 100K. I don't think this is possible for the S-class and GLS.....
Do you all agree?

Interesting - time to play with configurations. Is the also true of s class vs 7 series.

[streborx]

PROFIT -- when demand is high, you can always sell "just a little bit less" for "just a little bit more". Even $3 first aid kits have been discontinued.

[BMW5and7]

It will get even worse for lower models. From another source focused on leaks "There are plans to have a permanent decontenting on lower models' seats: offering lumbar support and backseat width adjustment as an option only for the driver. Likely to begin with MY2023 cars."

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Also, we have to give BMW credit for offering vehicles at a lower price than other direct competitors like Mbenz and RR. Think about about the GLS vs X7? Last time I did the comparison, a similarly spec'd GLS would cost more than X7. The same is true for the 7-series vs S-class. Now you can get a really nice 7-series + M-sport with the smaller 6 cylinder engine, or X7 40i + M-sport, for less than 100K. I don't think this is possible for the S-class and GLS.....
Do you all agree?

The GLS isn't far off from the X7. Very easy to get a well specced GLS for less than $100k.

And IMO the X7 is more luxurious and better driving than the GLS. So how does BMW achieve this? It's through cost cutting to maintain margins while offering a product on par (and/or superior) at a slightly lower price point.

A good chunk of that profit margin is made possible by BMWs stellar supply chain (don't let current supply chain issues which are impacting all automakers cloud your impression of that). On Gartner's list of top 25 supply chains in the world, BMW is the ONLY automaker on that list.

EDIT - just priced out a loaded GLS450 (minus any AMG sport packages). It's actually cheaper than my X7 40i. Not sure if there's some decontenting happening over at Mercedes that caused this.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by MancladLA

All good points. However, my main point is why not make a true 7 series in X7 format? SUVs are the leading vehicle category so surely they would make more $ from a true 7 X7 than the 7 - there would be more volume.

I don't work in product management - but my thought is that BECAUSE SUVs are higher volume products, BMW (and other volume brands) prefer to offer them at a lower price point to maximize those volumes. Cars such as the 7 series and S class are typically marketed as executive saloon cars. Low volume, high priced cars aimed at executives.

[wtwo3]

I will say however, that Mercedes does offer the Maybach GLS. So perhaps BMW may one day develop a competitor to that? Not sure if the XM qualifies...

[MancladLA]

Do we have any 7 series and x7 owners here (I’m sure we do) - are there any great 7 series features or luxury touches that you really miss in the x7?

[meccha]

The sun visors on the '23 x7 is just plastic with no lining at all. Wow : and I was hoping it would come with those double visors.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by meccha

The sun visors on the '23 x7 is just plastic with no lining at all. Wow : and I was hoping it would come with those double visors.

No, are you serious? If you get the Alcantara, would they be covered in Alcantara + stitching?

[xlover]

Originally Posted by MancladLA

All good points. However, my main point is why not make a true 7 series in X7 format? SUVs are the leading vehicle category so surely they would make more $ from a true 7 X7 than the 7 - there would be more volume.

I think that's off target for what the x7 actually is.

It is not meant to be a low volume executive express/Chauffeur's car.

The X7 is meant to be the ultimate family machine. 3 row suvs were and are in high demand for families it makes significantly more sense to design, price, and target them towards people who want more space than an x5. Layering in another notch of luxury but keeping practical usage at is core.

BMW IS going after the market you are referring to in suv form with the XM. That is the vehicle that is going to be more of a statement than practical, and have an ultra premium interior and price point.

[MancladLA]

Originally Posted by meccha

The sun visors on the '23 x7 is just plastic with no lining at all. Wow : and I was hoping it would come with those double visors.

Wow - that does seem cheap. Also double visors - had these in our Q7 they are very useful - but not is the X7…. Were they ever in the x7 or were they a victim of deletions

[MancladLA]

Originally Posted by xlover

I think that's off target for what the x7 actually is.

It is not meant to be a low volume executive express/Chauffeur's car.

The X7 is meant to be the ultimate family machine. 3 row suvs were and are in high demand for families it makes significantly more sense to design, price, and target them towards people who want more space than an x5. Layering in another notch of luxury but keeping practical usage at is core.

BMW IS going after the market you are referring to in suv form with the XM. That is the vehicle that is going to be more of a statement than practical, and have an ultra premium interior and price point.

Thanks - I thought the x7 was supposed to be the 7 series in suv form - at least that’s what some reviewers have said vs a larger x5.

[meccha]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

No, are you serious? If you get the Alcantara, would they be covered in Alcantara + stitching?

I can't say about the alcantara option since I didn't order it. I hope it would otherwise it would be awkward looking. The headliner feels cheap too; it's coarse feeling, compare to my crv.
I guess the good part about the visors is easier to keep clean. (No make up stains)