No Plug-in Hybrid option available for the 2025 BMW X7

  • BMW's largest SUV unlikely to get plug-in hybrid tech in the current generation
  • First-gen model settles for a 48-volt mild-hybrid system
  • Priced at USD 84,675 in the base 'xDrive40i' variant for MY2025
  • Competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7, and the Range Rover

The BMW X7, launched in 2018, is the brand’s largest SUV. In April 2022, BMW introduced its facelifted version, known as the LCI. While there were expectations of plug-in hybrid variants, BMW only offered the X7 with a 48V mild-hybrid system across all three engine options. This powertrain strategy continues with the 2025 model year update, as no plug-in hybrid option has been introduced.

No apparent plans for a PHEV in the current X7

Since the time the X7 has been on sale, its internal combustion engines have been paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system to boost efficiency. However, there hasn’t been a pure electric or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) spin-off of this full-size SUV. According to an August 2022 article by BMWBlog, engineers at BMW aren’t too keen on an X7 PHEV for two reasons: weight & space.

The X7 is heavy as it is. Adding a battery pack and other necessary hardware for a plug-in hybrid would quickly add to the weight. There’s also the question of space. While sourcing a PHEV-friendly powertrain won’t be challenging, the German engineers would likely need to rob the X7 of valuable real estate currently allotted to third-row passengers and for rear cargo – all for a few miles of full-electric range.

That said, BMW is reportedly working on a pure-electric X7 (iX7) for later this decade, as customer demand for that would exceed that of the PHEV variant.

Design

The front end of the 2025 BMW X7 appears rather complex with the split headlamp design; the LED DRL signature looks incredibly sleek, and the headlamp beams are positioned in a rectangular housing below. There are three air inlets: two vertical curtains on the sides of the front bumper and a lower air dam under the reasonably large kidney grille.

The illuminated kidney grille is standard on the 2025 BMW X7 M60i xDrive. The SUV boasts a sharp character line parallel to the chrome window surround from the side profile. It also gets roof rails and runs on up to 23-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the 3D-design taillamps are united by a chrome strip and appear very distinctive compared to other BMW SUVs. They display a geometric graphic and BMW lettering.

M60i and Alpina XB7 with unique details

2023 BMW X7 M60i front
The M Marina Blue Metallic shade is exclusive to the M60i, which also gets M badging all around as standard. Image: BMW

The M60i comes standard with the BMW illuminated grille, while the XB7 stands apart with its distinct front apron. Additionally, the M Marina Blue Metallic shade is available only on the M60i. The M60i can be easily recognized by the M badge on the grille, aero-optimized M mirrors, standard double-spoke dual-tone 22-inch alloy wheels, and quad exhaust pipes.

The X7 xDrive40i can be specced with the optional M Sport package, which adds gloss black make-up to the SUV’s exterior. The package adds distinct front and rear aprons, a more prominent lower intake and a gloss black grille surround, blacked-out window surrounds and exterior trim, 21-inch alloy wheels, and trapezoidal exhaust pipe finishers to elevate the visual perception of the SUV as something sporty.

Interior & Features

As with all BMWs, the interior quality seems visibly exquisite. BMW Individual Merino leather trim in Ivory White or Atlas Grey is optional, with an Extended Merino leather standard on the X7 M60i. What’s standard in the X7 xDrive40i is a vegan interior theme christened Sensafin. Additionally, for the 2025 BMW X7 LCI, a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats are standard features. Not a surprise given the hefty amount BMW charges customers for this 7-seater mammoth. Another nice touch in the cabin is the illuminated ambient lighting bar on the dashboard with X7 or M graphics.

iDrive 8.0 OS

The interior is familiar and reminiscent of what we’ve seen on modern BMWs like the iX and the i4. The curved dual-screen panel takes center stage with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment system. The entire unit is slightly tilted towards the driver. The screens run BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 operating system, which offers more computing power. The iDrive 8 can be frequently upgraded and supports touch operation, natural language support, and gesture control—customers can choose the communication method that suits them the best.

2024 BMW X7 M60i dashboard ambient light stripe
The ambient lighting strip looks exquisite on the 2025 BMW X7; the M60i gets an ‘M’ badge instead of ‘X7’ on the lighting decor.

An augmented view function makes navigation simple. The system streams a live video with the driver’s perspective on display with context-specific information. The information displayed can help the driver take the correct turns at confusing junctions. Moreover, the screens are enabled for 5G connectivity, and the Personal eSim is offered as standard on the SUV. The sim makes the SUV as connected as a smartphone thanks to the 5G antenna. The Personal eSim is linked to the owner’s BMW ID so that it can be used even on other compatible BMW cars.

Personal Assistant

An exciting feature in the cabin is the Personal Assistant. Natural language can be used while speaking to the assistant, which can adjust the climate and operate the panoramic sunroof and roll up/roll down the windows. Moreover, the Personal Assistant ‘turns’ towards the speaker, meaning it knows where the voice commands are coming from. The Personal Assistant graphics can appear on the digital cockpit, heads-up display, or the center screen, depending on who is speaking.

Sporty interior on the M60i

2024 BMW X7 M60i dashboard driver side
On the M60i, the steering is stitched with M colors, while the interior trim oozes character with Fineline wood and gloss metal finishing. MY2024 shown.

The M60i comes with an ‘M Sport Design’ with specific details. It comes with high-quality illuminated door sills with M60i lettering. The steering is stitched with M colors, while the interior trim oozes character with Fineline wood and gloss metal finishing. Additionally, even with the ambient lighting, if offered with M-specific colors white, the headliner is covered with Anthracite Alcantara. What enthusiasts love is the optional carbon-fiber interior trim, available only on the M60i.

High-end ADAS Features

The ADAS suite comes with high-end features like parking assistant, trailer assistant, and maneuver assistant. The trailer assistant simplifies reversing while towing a trailer. Meanwhile, the maneuver assistant can memorize maneuvers up to 200 meters, taking complete control of the accelerator, brakes, steering, and gears. However, drivers must monitor the surroundings when the vehicle performs automated maneuvers. That said, the U.S-spec X7 comes standard with a front collision warning system that can detect pedestrians and cyclists and react to oncoming traffic.

Specifications

2024 BMW X7 M60i side profile
The X7 is BMW’s largest SUV, with seven seats and a long wheelbase. The U.S. is the biggest market for BMW’s three-row full-size luxury SUV.

The 2025 BMW X7 can be had with two petrol engine options in the U.S. market. The range-topping X7 M60i xDrive comes with a 4.4-liter petrol V8 that delivers 523 bhp and 553 lb-ft, propelling the X7 M60i from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.5 s. The second petrol engine option is a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder, with 375 bhp and 383 lb-ft. Thanks to the 48 volt mild hybrid system, torque can be boosted to 398 lb-ft, which accelerates the BMW X7 xDrive40i from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 5.6 s.

The Alpina XB7 also comes with the same mild-hybrid powertrain as the X7 M60i xDrive, but it’s tuned for higher output. Its 4.4-liter biturbo V8 makes 631 bhp and 590 lb-ft, which is enough to hustle the SUV to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than in the previous model year. Its top speed is 180 mph. All variants of the 2025 BMW X7 come with an 8-speed automatic transmission whose shifting characteristics can be changed by altering the drive modes.

Adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering

The rear-axle steering feature is becoming increasingly common among modern cars. The feature comes as standard fitment on the M60i, and it comes as an option on the xDrive40i with the Dynamic Handling Package. The speed-sensitive Active Steering turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction at low speeds and the same direction at higher speeds, improving agility significantly.

The X7 is popular for its supreme ride quality that’s enabled by a sophisticated air suspension. Customers seated at the rear wouldn’t want to feel the bumps or even a minor undulation, and that’s taken care of by Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview. The suspension can gather road data from navigation and from the front camera feed to pre-select damper settings to ensure that the ride is always settled and comfortable.

2023 BMW X7 headlamps and illuminated grille
The illuminated grille is standard on the M60i and optional on the xDrive40i. Image: BMW

Price

The 2025 BMW X7 retails at USD 84,675 in the xDrive 40i variant and USD 112,075 in the M60i variant. It is manufactured at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina. Meanwhile, the top-line Alpina XB7 is priced at USD 153,395.

Sales

North America is a strong market for BMW. BMW SUVs, especially, have been doing well in the U.S., outperforming sedans. However in 2023, sales of the X7 declined by 6.2% year-over-year to 28,797 units (2022: 30,706 units). 2024 is also looking challenging for the full-size SUV, as deliveries declined 7.9% year-over-year to 1,078 units in the first half (H1 2023: 1,171 units).

2025 BMW X7 FAQs

What is the 2025 BMW X7’s release date?

The 2025 BMW X7 is now available in the United States.

What is the BMW X7’s price?

The 2025 BMW X7 starts at USD 84,675 (xDrive 40i).

Which models does the 2025 BMW X7 compete with?

It competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Audi Q7, and the Range Rover.