Money cannot purchase happiness. However, a summer road trip with your whole family can certainly do that. This is precisely where the BMW X7 comes in as a luxury, three-row SUV that may be priced like an apartment but provides ample space and style to turn long drives into enjoyable experiences. Priced at nearly ₹1. 40 crore (additional taxes apply), the X7 is likely to be the standout vehicle in a busy garage. But aside from its price tag, its aesthetics, and its renowned ‘BMW’ driving credentials lies a combination of all these aspects. And more.

It's no surprise then that it was my preferred option during a brief road trip to the picturesque hills of Ranikhet to escape the heat of Delhi in April. With six passengers aboard and luggage for three days, surely we had to pack lightly, right? Incorrect. The third row would probably be reserved for the black sheep of the family, right? Wrong again. And that’s exactly it - the BMW X7 challenges many preconceived ideas.

A total travel distance of approximately 800 kilometres in the xDrive40d M Sport, winding through the flatlands of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand before reaching the hills just beyond Jim Corbett National Park, would take about eight hours until we reached the cantonment area of Ranikhet. With a full tank of fuel - at 80 litres, this SUV was ready to go.

BMW X7: Gobbling smart, gobbling it all

As stated, packing luggage for six individuals for a three-day roadtrip isn't simple for any vehicle to accommodate. However, top-end luxury SUVs typically provide a wide array of choices. The X7 is notable in this aspect since its 326 litres of storage space was nearly sufficient to hold four sidebags. Additionally, the parcel shelf accommodated a gym bag and a laptop case on top. Although the cargo area expands to more than 700 litres with the second and third-row seats down, a completely filled vehicle doesn't allow for that flexibility.

BMW X7: On the move

BMWs rank among the most dynamic luxury cars to operate. Yet the X7, even with its emphasis on space and opulence, does not stray from its fundamental characteristics. Equipped with a three-litre diesel engine that produces 335 bhp and 700 Nm of torque, it makes no difference whatsoever if the interior is fully loaded.

However, while the SUV consistently displays enthusiasm and sportiness in all conditions, it is the refinement that stands out the most. The response to accelerator inputs is exceptional, but it is the extraordinary management of noise and vibration that truly emphasizes the X7's status as an outstanding flagship. The 45 profile Continental tires certainly deserve praise, but a significant portion of the credit is rightfully attributed to the suspension arrangement that enables this gigantic SUV to conquer speed bumps and most rough terrains effortlessly.

The eight-speed transmission is also well-designed, and although the X7 was primarily driven to sustain early triple-digit speeds in Comfort mode, the sporadic bursts of excitement were handled delightfully well.

BMW X7: Halt the praises

For all its remarkable features, the BMW X7 still possesses a few weaknesses. These are barely dealbreakers, rather insignificant. However, during long-distance travel, these do gradually become noticeable.

To begin with, there is no massage option available on any of the seats within the X7. There is also no seat kinetics, like on several Mercedes models currently. No matter how luxurious the seats are, and they are within the X7, driving for more than three hours continuously does make you long for some level of comfort.

The color scheme on the seats is also too light for Indian conditions, and even before this media unit commenced, the fading was evident on the driver seat. Keeping the upholstery in good condition over an extended time may pose a challenge.

Another aspect is the X7 lettering on the passenger-side dashboard that illuminates at night. While this opinion may be subjective, it comes off as somewhat cheap and does not align with the elegance of the vehicle.

BMW X7: Conclusion