[theo arluhar]

I’m trying to decide between two models, the 2023 and 2024 versions, which have very similar options (driving assistance, cold climate, parking assistance).
The main differences are:
2023 Model: Comes with the Executive Package, which includes massaging seats and an LED panoramic roof.
2024 Model: Features the Premium Package and adds a Highway Assistant, which could be quite useful.

Here’s my situation:
My family loves the idea of the massaging seats and the LED panoramic roof in the 2023 model.
We do a 3-5 hour road trip every other month, and I’m intrigued by the Highway Assistant in the 2024 model. It would be a relief not to have to nudge the steering wheel every 30 seconds, as I currently do with our 2019 E300.
I could live with or without either of these features, but I want to pick the option that makes the most difference.

Questions:
1. Highway Assistant vs. Professional Driving Package: Is the Highway Assistant in the 2024 model better than the Professional Driving Package in the 2023 model?
2. Longevity of Excitement: Does the novelty of features like massaging seats and the LED panoramic roof wear off after a few months?
3. Other Differences: Are there any other significant differences between the 2023 and 2024 models that I should consider when making my decision?

I’d appreciate any insights or advice you can offer. Thanks!

[admranger]

Please sit in the massaging seats. I found them to be too hard and not at all comfortable on long drives. Sport seats were better for me.

On my 2021, I have to touch (grasp) the steering wheel every 5 seconds or it gets mad at me on the auto steer function.

Auto cruise control is a godsend w/the ignorant left lane bandits going 0.00001mph faster than the car they are trying to pass (trucks do this too, of course, but it's more egregious when it's a car doing it).

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by theo arluhar

Questions:
1. Highway Assistant vs. Professional Driving Package: Is the Highway Assistant in the 2024 model better than the Professional Driving Package in the 2023 model?
2. Longevity of Excitement: Does the novelty of features like massaging seats and the LED panoramic roof wear off after a few months?
3. Other Differences: Are there any other significant differences between the 2023 and 2024 models that I should consider when making my decision?

1. Yes it is MUCH better. Hands free up to 85mph makes a massive difference on road trips.
2. Admittedly I live in TX, but I have maybe opened the sunshade to even see my LED roof twice in two years. Also, as a driver it doesn't benefit you at all, it is there for passengers.
3. There are different HW packs on the 24 vs 23, including different head unit and Augmented Reality. Read this thread for detailed differences: https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1950013

In short I would 100% get the 2024 over the 2023 in your situation.

[theo arluhar]

Thank you for your thoughts on this admranger and phasers.

The needle seems to be pointing towards HA over executive, which is what I was beginning to lean toward. Now I can quote you guys when I “disappoint” my family and go with the 24.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by theo arluhar

Now I can quote you guys when I “disappoint” my family and go with the 24.

"Some random internet dudes said get the 24 honey, so that's what I'm doing."

GL with that!

[tinfoiltuna]

I have a 2023 and would not get massage seats again. I find them painful, and bad at what they do - something I didn’t notice on my test drives.

I’m a sucker for LEDs and the roof lights make the ambiance incredible…. Mostly for the passengers.

On the hands free driving, it works amazing up to 40mph then you have to have at least two fingers on the wheel. Hands free up to 85mph in the ‘24.

[rjabend]

I think Highway Assist is Excellent. The only flaw is the eye camera placement and you have to carefully adjust the steering wheel so it doesn't block your eyes.

[streborx]

Originally Posted by tinfoiltuna

I have a 2023 and would not get massage seats again. I find them painful, and bad at what they do - something I didn’t notice on my test drives.

I’m a sucker for LEDs and the roof lights make the ambiance incredible…. Mostly for the passengers.

On the hands free driving, it works amazing up to 40mph then you have to have at least two fingers on the wheel. Hands free up to 85mph in the ‘24.

I've never understood the point of handsfree driving until now.


https://www.motorbiscuit.com/florida-woman-crashes-thunderbird-shaving/

[MystroX5]

You need both. IMO
The “sky lounge” makes a big statement and separates the X7 from the other top players.

[streborx]

What is the "big statement"?

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by streborx

What is the "big statement"?

Well, you see, if it is dark enough outside, and if it is not too hot outside, and finally if you have passengers in the vehicle at the same time, you have these cool color changing lights you can show them.

[streborx]

Originally Posted by Phasers

Well, you see, if it is dark enough outside, and if it is not too hot outside, and finally if you have passengers in the vehicle at the same time, you have these cool color changing lights you can show them.

Pink Floyd's flying pig in 3D would be a "big statement". (lol)

[jo2134]

Led roof is a waste of money to me as is the executive package all together

[ddv2005]

Originally Posted by jo2134

Led roof is a waste of money to me as is the executive package all together

Executive package includes Soft close doors that must have option if you have kids

[Kostyan]

Executive package also includes heated, cooled cupholders and armrests, and power rear sunshades...at least on pre-LCi. Having Led roof elevates the luxury experience and imho is much better than highway driving assistant. If I wanted to get a Tesla I would have gotten one. Executive package did not include massage seats, that option is a part of Luxury Seating package, which on this car is also a must IMHO.

[jo2134]

Originally Posted by ddv2005

Executive package includes Soft close doors that must have option if you have kids

Soft close doors are now included in premium package

[jo2134]

Originally Posted by Kostyan

Executive package also includes heated, cooled cupholders and armrests, and power rear sunshades...at least on pre-LCi. Having Led roof elevates the luxury experience and imho is much better than highway driving assistant. If I wanted to get a Tesla I would have gotten one. Executive package did not include massage seats, that option is a part of Luxury Seating package, which on this car is also a must IMHO.

Exec pkg used to be a must on the pre LCI.
Exec includes massage seats on the LCI which barely do anything and make the seats less comfortable when not on. Heated and cooled cup holders barely affect your drink’s temperature (I had them on my X5 M) and the heated arm rests are now included in the cold climate pack. The LED roof is literally a gimmick to impress others sitting in the back, understandable if that is important on an expensive car.

In summary the extra $2100 is all for gimmicky options (glass controls, led roof, massage seats, cup holders) vs $2500 for DAPP which increases the safety of your car and includes highway assistant which is a much more useful option for the vast majority of people. I guess I don’t see the value in it since I had all of those options on my X5M (excluding led roof) and the novelty wore off quickly on them.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by jo2134

Exec pkg used to be a must on the pre LCI.
Exec includes massage seats on the LCI which barely do anything and make the seats less comfortable when not on. Heated and cooled cup holders barely affect your drink’s temperature (I had them on my X5 M) and the heated arm rests are now included in the cold climate pack. The LED roof is literally a gimmick to impress others sitting in the back, understandable if that is important on an expensive car.

In summary the extra $2100 is all for gimmicky options (glass controls, led roof, massage seats, cup holders) vs $2500 for DAPP which increases the safety of your car and includes highway assistant which is a much more useful option for the vast majority of people. I guess I don’t see the value in it since I had all of those options on my X5M (excluding led roof) and the novelty wore off quickly on them.

FULLY AGREE!

Actually would rather pay 3000sh more for B&W than gimmicky cooled/heated cup-holders and massage seats (IMPORTANT: they make the seats LESS comfortable). LED glass roof is gimmicky too. Don't get me wrong, I have all these features in all my last three X7s and my X5.... But I regret that massage seats.. waste of money as well.

In my view, highway assist is a MUST HAVE!. Also, at all costs, if buying pre-owned, I'd never buy a 2023 (older hardware, doesn't support newer ID updates, and no hands-free highway assist). Go for 2024+ (2023 is nothing but a 2019-2022 packaged with new exterior lights and wider interior screen, and a few other minor features taken away too). You get the full LCI experience with 2024+.

[themama]

Originally Posted by theo arluhar

I’m trying to decide between two models, the 2023 and 2024 versions, which have very similar options (driving assistance, cold climate, parking assistance).
The main differences are:
2023 Model: Comes with the Executive Package, which includes massaging seats and an LED panoramic roof.
2024 Model: Features the Premium Package and adds a Highway Assistant, which could be quite useful.

IMO executive package stands out. Massaging seats do add comfort during long drives that your fatigue levels are well managed.
Same time, highway assist is a very nice feature, without which you can still have your thigh touched to steering wheel and have autopilot work on highway.

If there is a chance, I would take both features, how ever if you are only to pick one, I would go with MY24. MY23 had lots of pitfalls during rollout and would count on MY24 to have them refined.
I personally am nervous to first year models, so that's just my thought.