Interior and tech
Given its status near the top of the BMW tree it is no surprise to find the X7 benefits from all the latest generation tech whether standard or optional, and aims to satisfy the whims of those who want to spend upwards of £75,000 on an SUV.
The seven-seat arrangement splits the middle bench 60/40, with full electric operation to fold flat or slide and tilt to allow access to the third row. Press a button and within ten seconds the middle row tips forward, although access to the back still requires some agility. Once there, second-row occupants can still slide and recline their seats electrically, all rows come with heated seats and you can add massage and ventilation to the first and second rows if you choose the two-seat layout.
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Up front there is BMW’s latest-generation operating system with the 12.3-inch touchscreen that can also be operated via iDrive, the BMW Personal Assistant that does a convincing impression of Siri, and the digital key option, which allows you to lock and unlock the car via a compatible smartphone. However you control the system, it operates with an assured smoothness and even fiddly sub-settings can be found quickly. The navigation is clear and quick to re-route on the basis of traffic updates, and the mid-spec optional Harman/Kardon audio system is powerful and clear.
