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BMW X7 (G07) Forums General BMW X7 Forum What are your top reasons for considering an X7 purchase?

View Poll Results: What are your top reasons for considering an X7? (choose your multiple top reasons)
Higher level of luxury 34 50.75%
Seating height 5 7.46%
Available features/technology 22 32.84%
2nd row legroom 13 19.40%
Full size 3rd row/Total passenger capacity 38 56.72%
Cargo space 11 16.42%
BMW brand/quality 25 37.31%
Vehicle appearance 20 29.85%
Driving performance 20 29.85%
Towing capacity 6 8.96%
Large vehicle size 18 26.87%
Other (specify below) 3 4.48%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 67. You may not vote on this poll

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      03-29-2019, 09:39 AM   #1
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What are your top reasons for considering an X7 purchase?

It seems many people here have very different reasons for looking at the X7, and many of us seem to assume that others are shopping for it for the same reason(s) we are. I'm quite curious what peoples' top priorities are, especially compared to other brands, or other BMW models like the X5.

We might all be able to check all the choices, but what are your top few?
Feel free to expound below.
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      03-29-2019, 10:31 AM   #2
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For me personally, while there's lots I love about the X7, my top reasons are:

1. Seating height - as I get older, it's harder for me to climb up into a tall car, or climb up to get out of a low car. So I'm not looking at a 5er or 7er. X models work for me, and the X7 adjustable height is a nice plus as I'll get older over the next 10 years of my planned X7 ownership.

2. Available features/technology - lots that I like in the X7, but the comfort massage chairs are a must-have for me.

3. 2nd row legroom. I like the new G05 X5, but found the 2nd row cramped for a tall family. LOVE how the X7 can slide back 2nd row for more legroom. I have no actual need for the X7 3rd row.

4. BMW brand/quality. I like how BMW's are built, and how they drive. That's why I buy them. Will be buying BMW's new flagship in the X7.
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      03-29-2019, 05:50 PM   #3
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I have a 2015 cadilac Escalade that is a lemon, stayed in the shop several months. Transmission is horrible and Cadilac can’t make it right. The X7 is the only three row SUV out that we like how it looks and matches the performance (speed) of the Escalade. I am confident the X7 will be superior in every way.
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      03-29-2019, 08:29 PM   #4
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My wife's lease is up on the X5 next month and BMW isn't taking any more orders for the X5 with the 3rd Row for 2019. So we had no choice but to go X7 since all the 3rd Row seats for that car are being put in this car instead.

The X7 is highly equipped with standard features, but it's $80K and the X5 we were looking at was $65K. It's only money, and it's very nicely equipped even with a scant amount of options, but it's $200 more a month just to stay in a 7 passenger BMW.
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      03-29-2019, 08:33 PM   #5
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Good stuff, Todd. Hopefully you can get some consolation that you're getting more car for that $200/month, including a much better 3rd row.

I do have to wonder if the X5 3rd row cancellation is intentional, to drive people like you to the X7.
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      03-29-2019, 09:37 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Blue View Post
Good stuff, Todd. Hopefully you can get some consolation that you're getting more car for that $200/month, including a much better 3rd row.

I do have to wonder if the X5 3rd row cancellation is intentional, to drive people like you to the X7.
Any day that one gets a new BMW is a great day, WB.

Really looking forward to it, hoping for a quick delivery.
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      03-29-2019, 09:50 PM   #7
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Tech, quality, and the x5 rear looks like cheap crap
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      03-31-2019, 03:40 AM   #8
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Looks, rear space and higher luxury, if the X5 didn’t look like an X3 and have same rear legroom would consider it instead for don’t need the 3rd row
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      03-31-2019, 06:44 AM   #9
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I'm mentioned in a some other posts but we have been buying Mercedes GL/GLS's since 2012 and have been satisfied with them. We ordered a loaded 2020 GLE last November ($96,820) that is yet to be built but while waiting for it I decided to take a look at it's direct competition, the BMW X5. So my wife and I stopped into our local BMW dealership and ask for a drive. The salesman was a 15 year veteran and handled our visit very well. He took his time explaining the tech in the new X5 and the test drive was longer than I expected. I really liked it a lot and afterward tried to convince my wife the X5 would be a better choice for us. But she pointed out a difference that matters to us (a lot), the 2nd row leg room in the X5 was noticeably less than the GLE so she wanted the GLE. So I put the X5 our of mind and decide to wait for the GLE.

A week later the BMW salesman called me to say they took delivery of two X7's, and would I like to test drive it. I couldn't resist but my wife didn't have any interest so I took my son along for the test drive. We drove a Carbon Black 40i with the same white/blue interior as we ended up buying. First of all, the X7 is a beautiful looking vehicle. All the fuss about the 'largest grill ever' made no sense to me as I thought it looked proportionally correct for the size of the car. When they opened it and I got my first look at the interior, I was pretty much hooked. However, the drive sealed the deal. I thought the inline-six 40i engine did a very good job of moving the X7. The handling was very good especially the steering feedback. The dash is just beautiful to look at and the new center console and controls are beautiful as well. But when I got into the 2nd row and saw how much leg room there is in the X7, I knew my wife would love it. So I went home ready to convince my wife how great the X7 is and that we should cancel the GLE and get one. But it didn't go as planned as she wanted the GLE. About 5 days later the salesman emailed to ask if we had any interest in the X7. I replied that I liked it a lot but that the deal we would be getting on the GLE was just to good to walk away from. So he replied with an initial offer that was good but not good enough so I laid out the great deal Mercedes was giving us and 15 minutes later he replied that they would match their deal if we took the 50i they had in the showroom. So I told my wife we're going to the BMW dealership and test driving that 50i. This would be her first look at it. She loved the look and roominess right away but after driving it she was on-board so we agreed to the deal and a few hours later it was sitting on our garage.

Of course the call to Mercedes to back out of the GLE wasn't easy as they have been a great shop to deal with but the sales manager was very professional about it and ask me to bring the X7 in for him to see it. And I have good news about the GLE. I emailed the sales manager to ask if he would be okay with me posting it on the MBWorld forum in hopes of finding a buyer for the GLE, he immediately agreed and thanked me. Within a day a couple 600 miles away called him and agreed to take the GLE when it comes in. The world is right again.
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      03-31-2019, 07:32 AM   #10
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There aren't many choices for big three row vehicles, and as a dad with three kids, nothing else makes much sense for me.

I also don't understand all the complaints about the kidney grill. When I first started seeing pics of the X7 as the were released, it was probably the looks of the car that drew me to it first. I wasn't crazy about the X5 we'd owned some years prior, and I was skeptical I'd like the car, but it was the looks that got me interested. Then the more I read about it, the more I thought I needed to check it out. Then I saw some online reviews and knew I wanted one. Saw one on the showroom floor that was absolutely gorgeous, and plunked down the deposit there on the spot, without even driving it. I admit I had some concern the drive would be "harsh," as I recalled our prior X5 being. So it was a bit of a gamble. But holy smokes, it's the smoothest, most refined drive ever; steers and handles like a dream, and the power in the 50i is ridiculous. It's a speeding ticket nightmare. I drive 80 and it feels like 30 in any other car.

In any event, the practicality and looks drew me in; the BMW brand, luxury, and sportiness were selling points for me too.
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      03-31-2019, 09:30 AM   #11
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I think the option many of us would tick if available is that it’s likely the best driving 3 row SUV
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      04-07-2019, 09:52 PM   #12
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I’ve had 2 GL550’s back to back and am just ready for something different. I initially wanted an X7 because of the captains chairs, but as I’ve seen more and more, that’s less of an incentive, since kids can’t really walk between them. But it’s still easier to access the 3rd row than it is in the GL(S). And I love the look.
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      04-07-2019, 10:07 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Missduvy View Post
I’ve had 2 GL550’s back to back and am just ready for something different. I initially wanted an X7 because of the captains chairs, but as I’ve seen more and more, that’s less of an incentive, since kids can’t really walk between them. But it’s still easier to access the 3rd row than it is in the GL(S). And I love the look.
We've owned 2 GL 550's and a MY17 GLS 550. I ordered a 2020 GLE fully loaded ($96,820) but when I saw and test drove the X7 I was hooked and bought one two weeks later. The BMW dealership made us a great deal and we couldn't walk away. So far we love the X7 and encourage others currently driving a GL/GLS who are waiting for the new gen GLS this fall to at least give the X7 a test drive. You will be surprised how well it drive and how easy the tech is to use. The 2nd row leg room is first class and as you say, got to love those looks.
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      05-13-2019, 04:04 PM   #14
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I am looking to replace my current family/track car hauler, a 2007 Ford Expedition EL. I have held on to this one for so long (picked it up in 2009 with 24k miles, now it has 130k miles) as I could not really justify replacing it as it did what it needed to do pretty well - including 2 cross-country moves between the east/west coast. But I am now ready for a change since the X7 was released...

I have always had a full size SUV for the family and to tow my track car, first a '95 E36 M3 and now a '05 E46 M3, and in the not too distant future, my '17 F80 M3. I have been a BMW guy for a long time and would have gladly purchased a BMW as my full size SUV, but lack of towing capacity (and size) made me look elsewhere, even though I have seen some guys at the track hauling with an X5 before.

Not to mention, I would also like to have a full size SUV with a bit more luxury and more tech - something my Expedition is definitely lacking. Below is my current rig that I am looking to replace with an X7...

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      05-13-2019, 07:43 PM   #15
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For us, it's the BMW driving dynamics and the underlying technologies that deliver such superior handling qualities vs other 3-row SUVs. Other luxury brands can and do offer reasonable substitutes in terms of luxury or other features, but we feel the X7 offers the best driving machine for its size.
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      05-14-2019, 08:39 AM   #16
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I still think you should add a poll option called "The X5 Wasn't Available To Order With 3rd Row Seats" as you're going to have a ton of lease-expiring X5 owners being forced into a new X7 for just that reason as BMW recently announced mysteriously that they ran out of 3rd Row seats for the X5 and aren't taking any more orders until 2020 at the earliest.

Some suspect BMW didn't run out of X5 3rd Row seats but rather are doing this deliberately to sell more X7's.
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      05-14-2019, 08:49 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by toddwalton View Post
I still think you should add a poll option called "The X5 Wasn't Available To Order With 3rd Row Seats" as you're going to have a ton of lease-expiring X5 owners being forced into a new X7 for just that reason as BMW recently announced mysteriously that they ran out of 3rd Row seats for the X5 and aren't taking any more orders until 2020 at the earliest.

Some suspect BMW didn't run out of X5 3rd Row seats but rather are doing this deliberately to sell more X7's.
I personally think you're absolutely right, Todd, and entirely possible that's why BMW did that. Keeping 3 rows in the X5 dilutes the marketing message that the X7 is *THE* full 3-row BMW SAV. Even though there is no comparison between X5 and X7 3rd rows.

Unfortunately, I created this poll before BMW halted the X5 3rd row production, and can't edit it now. But users can still select the full 3rd row/total passenger capacity option, if they feel that applies, or is at least the closest choice.
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      05-24-2019, 12:56 PM   #18
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Newbie here, so be gentle. I have a few reasons. I am at the point where it is time to step back from the grind and do more traveling. Besides the fact that my wife hates flying, we love to drive and take our time, not having to adhere to anyone's schedule. Our kids are grown and gone so it's just the two of us plus our dog. I want a really nice car that we can put some miles on and be safe and comfortable. We've had domestic and Toyota SUV's and frankly, they don't do anything for me at this point. We would keep driving the F-350 if we were limited to those. We have looked at the Porsche Cayenne S but it doesn't have a third row. The Audi Q7 was kind of disappointing for the money. The Volvo XC 90 only comes with a 4 cylinder engine, so that's a no-go, and the MB S-450. We liked the MB but the BMW, in our opinion, is so much nicer. I was going to wait on the '20 GLS but after reading some of the comments on the MB forums I don't know if I will or not. Seems like BMW has them covered. I am hopeful this car will be dependable and last us well over 100k miles. One thing I am not used to though is the lack of wiggle room on the price. I am paying cash and I thought there would be a little play there. I've never paid sticker for a vehicle. We are looking to purchase a very well equipped 40I so we will probably have to order it. We don't mind a road trip so if anyone knows a dealer that will give a few points. let me know. Hopefully I can get fully educated here and make the perfect chioce. Thanks.
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      05-24-2019, 05:37 PM   #19
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I think it's interesting to see what the results are, with 51 poll voters. Not the largest sample size, but a decent representation of Bimmerpost users considering an X7. The thing that stands out, is the diversity of votes.

With 51 voters, top answers in order:


1. 29/51 56.86% Full size 3rd row/Total passenger capacity
2. 26/51 50.98% Higher level of luxury
3. 21/51 41.18% BMW brand/quality
4. 18/51 35.29% Vehicle appearance
5. 17/51 33.33% Driving performance
6. 17/51 33.33% Available features/technology
7. 16/51 31.37% Large vehicle size
8. 11/51 21.57% 2nd row legroom
9. 9/51 17.65% Cargo space
10. 4/51 7.84% Seating Height
11. 3/51 5.88% Towing capacity
12. 3/51 5.88% Other (specify below)


Big picture, it seems the interesting thing is that, even though voters can pick more than one answer, the votes so far are spread out over many different responses, indicating that people have many different reasons for considering an X7 purchase. (Being able to select multiple choices, it'd be possible for an option to be chosen by 100% of voters, and still choose other options as well)

No single answer has jumped out as far-and-away more than the others, and only two answers are even above 50%. My thoughts on certain responses:

1. Full size 3rd row/Total passenger capacity 29/51 56.86%

Not a surprise this one's the top choice. This is the whole reason BMW created the X7. What's interesting to me is that it's not higher. 22/51 voters so far haven't indicated that it's one of their top reasons for looking at the X7. (note: not to say it's not a reason at all to them, only that they didn't choose it as a top reason) I'm one of these. Other than an occasional pickup of kid friends, or visiting relatives, I have no need for a 3rd row, and would even prefer more 2nd row room instead of a 3rd row. I want the X7 for other reasons.

2. Higher level of luxury 26/51 50.98%

This is the only other option that more than half of the voters have selected. I get it. Some people are looking for high-end luxury. In BMW, those who want that in a sedan go for the 7-series. Those who want a bigger vehicle, and a little more size or luxury than an X5, look to the X7.

7. Large vehicle size 16/51 31.37%

Even though it's "only" 31% of voters, it's in the middle of the vote rank. Many people just like driving a big vehicle!

8. 2nd row legroom 11/51 21.57%

Again, this is personally one of my top reasons, and apparently I'm not the only one. The few extra inches possible over the X5 (at the expense of 3rd row room), makes all the difference to me and the kids.

9. Cargo space 9/51 17.65%

Very interesting to me that this option is so low, even in the bottom third of option rankings. In fact, people are voting almost twice as much, for "Large vehicle size" is a top reason for them, than "Cargo space". (16 vs 9, and 31.37% vs. 17.65%) Only beating out "Seating height", "Towing capacity", and "Other".

Again, not to say that cargo space is not important to people, only that people didn't select it as a top option for considering the X7. Some people here have declared cargo space as the only reason to buy a big SUV, but this poll seems to be showing that different people have different priorities from each other.

Last edited by Wild Blue; 05-24-2019 at 05:52 PM..
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      08-24-2019, 02:55 PM   #20
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Bump, since it's been a while, with more owners now, and 2020's out.
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      08-24-2019, 09:34 PM   #21
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We picked up an x7 for the 6 seat configuration. we have four kids and wanted a second car beside the minivan to move the family. The mid size suv's with a 3rd row are inadequate for our needs. They are simply too cramped for the kiddos. The x7 drives Much smaller than our oddessey but still gives everyone enough room to have their own space. Plus it has massaging seats!
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      08-24-2019, 10:12 PM   #22
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To FishOuttaWater,
I bought my 4.0 X7 from United BMW in Roswell, Ga. MSRP was about 83K but we ended up paying about 69K+tax. Seem like if you can get 13-15% off MSRP you have a good deal there. We were going to pay cash but the manager said he could give us that discount if we were to use their financing program. They probably get some incentive for that.
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