[PL]

It is my understanding that if I get the new X7 with a tow hitch package, the hands-free function of the rear gate would be disabled due to some sort of conflict, is that still the case? And if so, any regrets on one or the other from existing owners?

[TechCTU]

Originally Posted by PL

It is my understanding that if I get the new X7 with a tow hitch package, the hands-free function of the rear gate would be disabled due to some sort of conflict, is that still the case? And if so, any regrets on one or the other from existing owners?

Correct, that is still the case, you don't get kick to open with the factory hitch. You can get an aftermarket hidden hitch and keep the kick to open but I prefer the factory hitch. No regrets from me other than I think they could do both.

[Since2000]

A factory-installed Trailer Hitch is a great versatile option that helps you to hold a market value with time. I am actively looking for the X7 right now and models with the trailer hitch are priced higher compared to their siblings but without it. And it is only $550. Hands-free open does not have the same effect at all.

[agnisco]

Factory hitch is the way to go, even if all plan using it for is a bike rack or storage box for road trips. There are other ways to open the hatch, but the factory hitch is a much better option than an aftermarket hitch.

I’m not sure why BMW can’t engineer both into the X7 like so many other makers have, but they either can’t or won’t. So because I had to pick, I picked the hitch since it offers so much more and adds so much more versatility to the vehicle than a kick to open hatch.

[crackerjack15]

You also get larger brakes with the trailer hitch and I believe possibly a larger radiator or transmission cooler? Not sure about the coolers though.

[2024X7M60i]

The factory hitch is the way to go. If you add one later, you may have to get the car programmed so it knows it has a hitch and it costs more to add one later.

[MystroX5]

Factory hitch is a no brainer option for what it cost and what it adds to the X7. Even if you don’t plan on towing, you can always use it for bike racks or other accessories. Having a solid accessible hook up point on a flagship luxury vehicle is extremely rare considering all the plastic cladding and sensors. The kick to open is a option I don’t even want. Between looking like a weenie doing toe kicks under the car or pets accidentally walking under the sensor and opening up the hatch against the closed garage door, blah….

[stockguru]

I believe if you really want both kick and hitch functionality, the euro version has it. Not sure why in US they changed the hitch.

[chicagox7]

Went with the hitch for many of the same reasons noted. Much easier/cheaper to add in factory, will likely ever only use for bike rack- though nice to have in case we ever need it for more, we never had a kick open before- so not missing something new, and have generally been able to deal with opening other ways, like the fob or in the car or finding the button on the hatch (even with little kids and all the gear that comes with them).

[Orient330iNYC]

i've had the kick to open on my F34 GT and did not miss it at all with my G01 X3 with factory hitch. it wasnt 100% and would do stupid things like pop open when washing the car and dragging the hose past. it would however fail to open when its raining and your arms were full of packages to put into the trunk.
didnt even think about it when i ordered my G07.

[PL]

Thank you everyone for your responses and feedback, seems like the consensus is with the tow hitch, with good reasons.

[2001S15]

My M5 has the kick to open feature but I've never been able to get it to work. So I may as well not have it. Ordered the X7 with the hitch because it seems more useful especially for a vehicle with this size.

[Scuba11]

I have an F95 and the kick feature never works when I need it to. Always think someone must be watching me and saying "look at that idiot dancing behind his car."