Specifications of BMW X7 (G07, facelift 2022) 40d (352 HP) MHEV xDrive Steptronic

General characteristics of BMW X7 (G07, facelift 2022) 40d (352 HP) MHEV xDrive Steptronic

Each of the X7's two trims comes with its own unique powertrain (although both are AWD). First, the 40i, inside which lives a classic BMW powertrain: A 3.0-liter twin-turbo mild-hybrid inline-six making 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. That's up from last year's model by 40 hp and 52 lb-ft. Quite honestly, this is a very potent powertrain. It's also a supremely quiet one that delivers its power smoothly all the way to redline.

BMW's powertrain engineer explained the motor's 48v hybrid setup to us with five-year-old-at-Christmas level energy. The unit's motor sits within the ZF-sourced eight-speed transmission's housing, nice and snug with the gears. From there, it can do anything a resourceful engineer would command of it. It'll act as a torque-filler down low, or as boost torque temporarily during hard acceleration to 398 lb-ft. You activate that by pulling the left shift paddle for a full second. That means the "base" model hits 60 in just 5.8 seconds. But most critically for a luxury car, the 48v system can smooth out the car's start-stop system. And it does, to the point that the action is almost imperceptible.

Of course, the one everyone wants to hear about will be the M60i's new V8. It's a 4.4-liter turbocharged affair with a 48-volt system of its own. 523 hp and 553 lb-ft send the M60i to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The motor sounds turbocharged, but the note really shines from inside. It's stately, with not a hint of turbo noise and a deep V8 thrum at cruising speeds. The sound on the outside isn't quit as vocal as the inside - BMW pipes noises in - but it sounds natural, and frankly we couldn't care. From behind the wheel, this is how all X7s should sound.

All that go on the M60i is great, but BMW told us it also took special care to push the go-faster car's chassis. First, optional rear-steer shrinks both cars around you, though its standard on the M-tuned model. Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview is also standard on the M60i and uses camera-based anticipation data to scan the road before you and tweak the ride. You don't notice it at work, which is truly impressive.

Finally, an adaptive dual-axle air suspension setup is found on both models, but the 60i also packs active roll stabilization, which helps to neutralize the car's 5,800-lb. frame in the twisties. It sounds like wizardry but it works. Shoot the M60i into a hairpin, crank the wheel, and wait for the car to wash out. Only it won't, and you'll be back to making V8 noises.