I keep saying it: the lack of physical controls isn't just annoying, it's outright dangerous. For good reason there are laws banning the use of cellphones while driving. And yet, modern car interiors are becoming one giant touchscreen. This won't end well.

You guys are some of the most honest and refreshing car reviewers. Many, many others are not actually reviewing anything, they merely demonstrate and show new vehicles, but never have anything negative to say and never give their actual opinions or feedback. It's frustrating and once you've seen one, you've seen them all. You guys however are the uncommon amongst the uncommon. So please, keep telling us when something sucks.

WOW....this is the most honest and accurate review I've seen on the X7. Our family owns a 2021 X7 M50i and it's a love hate relationship based on EVERY item you mentioned. I've not seen a more accurate review of the M50i vs M60i. We will not be trading into an M60i mostly because of the HVAC interface; UGLY front fascia design; Cow nipple controls for the vents; etc. Thank you again for the most accurate and honest review of this land yacht on the net.

When my dad was a kid, he said the scrap yards were full of luxury vehicles because no one could afford to keep them working, seems nothing has changed, the rich still buy disposable vehicles full of toys.

As others have mentioned. this is the only auto channel where the negatives - what is wrong with is model? - are discussed. Kudos for that. Please keep it that way.

This car has a GVWR over 6,000 lbs. Qualifies for accelerated depreciation and other tax benefits. So for owners of certain businesses, the tax benefits will exceed the payments. So the government will pay certain people to own this vehicle. Got to love the tax code.🤑💰

Great way to start my morning on the throne

WOW! They could NOT decide on a design concept for the front 😂

The 2020 X7M50i is the GOAT of the X7 line up for many reasons. It is the last pure V8TT ICE engine and that is significant. This 523hp M50i engine is rock solid and very tunable to stupid amounts of additional hp. It also was the last of a truly fully optioned vehicle like top tier options night vision, ionized and ambient air, Rear Seat Entertainment, etc….. Then there was all the upscale build options like a full alcantara roof and alcantara roof sunshade, alcantara parcel shelf, etc… Trim in the 3rd row was just as upscale as the front. 2nd row doors had puddle lights and keyless entry. This was the vehicle BMW spared no expense in offering and was on another level. After 2020 it was a down hill fall with dropping major and minor options and cheaper build materials in the switches and exterior. The 2023 LCI is still suffering for lack of premium options and lower quality build materials and this extends to the XB7 ALPINA as well. I own a truly fully optioned 2020 BMW X7M50i that took BMW 7 months to build and this was in the best of times pre Covid. Just shy of $130k and worth every penny as it has been rock solid reliable as well as quiet as a casket with no rattles or squeaks over any road surface. It was extremely rare then and now it is a white elephant to the point I believe BMW may never build a luxurious vehicle to this level. BMW has changed their “flagship vehicle” priorities from top build quality, V8 rumble, luxurious ride and opulence to this new LCI bizarre Asian design/styling and distracting tech that is cheaper to manufacture than a quality buttons or switches. That luxurious tactile feel of a switch or quality button push is gone now. The new “S” ICE engine is now bastardized with a electric motor in the transmission that will brick the vehicle with any simple fault code giving you the common “Drivetrain Malfunction” message new frustrated owners are starting to experience. All in the name for future emission standards. It’s “S” designation means nothing and is a mass production engine no more special but a marketing spin to only make one engine platform for all vehicles. 😮. It appears BMW is embracing and riding out the “supply chain” excuses to produce lesser quality vehicles and hoping their core customers don’t notice.😢

Speaking of most functions being delegated to the screen, my cousin just bought her VW ID4. Hopped in it for the first time on our way to dinner last weekend. I never had a car that drove me nuts when it came to trying to access basic functions. You tap/hold the on the HVAC symbols on the screen and nothing happens (we were cold). I'm 30, even worked at a big branch cellular store 4yrs ago... so i'm no boomer. Anyways pretty sure she figured it out by now, but WOW lol....

The next time you talk to the engineers, can you try and uncover the real reasons why buttons are disappearing? I don’t think an engineer can truly say this set up is better from a usability/ergonomics standpoint. Who in the board room is making these decisions and is there any internal conflicts within BMW/other manufacturers.

The front headlights on top look like Hyundai and on the bottom look like GMC truck headlights

the worst aspects about modern bmw as a brand in one package, fantastic

I'm so old I remember the days when texting was the big distraction.

Ten minutes in and there's no way I would want one of these. Gift one to me and I'd sell it before opening the door.

I watched the Acura MDX Type S video again just to compare it to this BMW X7. I think that Mark likes the Type S a bit more.

The fact that they said that too many physical buttons are overwhelming for customers is absolutely insane and complete bullshit. If they just blatantly said we removed the buttons because we want you to replace the screen i would of at least accepted it.

So I can get a fully maxed out Mazda CX-90, and a fully maxed out Mx5 Club for the weekends and NOT get mistaken for a Kia Hyundai SUV? Thanks BMW for making this an easy choice 🤞🤟

Touchscreen climate controls are such a dealbreaker for me. I so greatly appreciate how you guys ALWAYS include seemingly random flipping through these new interfaces to demonstrate lag, misinput frequency, and that aggravating tearing effect when scrolling. It also helps to show what features the OEMs are moving into the infotainment (headlights, GM? Really?)

Honesty is a quality that always sells..thats the only reason ,I trust what you says. Thank you from Europe.

I liked the longer interior section. I know you went over it because you have the same car to compare but in general is was very informative and you guys should do it for more cars

The reason the exhaust sound is so different is because the new S68 is based of the S63 found in the M5,M8, X5M etc. This engine uses a cross flow exhaust manifolds where both banks share a turbo. This gives you that more exotic V8 sound. The N63 exhaust manifolds are not crossing. Each bank has its own turbo. This gives you that traditional V8 rumble.

I have had one now for 4+ months now. The HVAC controls are definitely the worst part, especially coming out of a 2019 X5. Mixed on the front end but it has a ton of presence, and I weirdly get a lot of unexpected compliments. What sold me on it though is that this thing is a howitzer on wheels, especially in Sport Plus mode.

Thanks guys, best damn channel on KZfaq without question.

Jack talks about this engine being for emissions and compliance like it's some 1.2 liter 3 cylinder 🤣 its a 500hp twin turbo 4.4L V8 lol lets just be happy it still exists

You traded your Volvo XC90 for the X7? we need an update vid on that man

I was considering the top trim 2023 X7 but wound up getting an 03 Kia Sportage

Wow, they got rid of the memory controls? That was one of my favorite features of BMWs. Sad.

What, A 32 minute dump?! I'm in!!

The physical controls in my x3m is amazing. I love the buttons on the last gen. The new gen would frustrate me quickly because I’d have to interact with the screen for pretty much everything. Wish they left the programmable buttons alone.

I cant wait to liquidate some of my arby's stocks to buy one of these.

I miss some of the physical buttons. I agree, I really loved having 8 shortcut keys that could be for vehicle functions and not just the radio. However, the i8 system does still give you 4 short-cut keys. If you swipe down from the main menu, you should see 4 configurable shortcut keys. It wasn't intuitive, but to populate those shortcuts, you have to surf through the menus and just long-press whatever menu item you want to add to the shortcuts. Then to remove a shortcut, you drag down the short cut menu and long press on the option you want to remove. It's a little clunky, but it's still there.

When I think about buying something Marc's reviews are the acid test.

You guys are one of the only trustworthy auto channels

BMW is the ultimate marketing machine

Love that you reviewed the audio. Best reviewers on YT!

All of these vehicles are great for pilfering parts after they get discarded. Seats frames, engine block and heads, brakes and rotors, sun visors, center console structure between the seats, electric cooling fans. Everything else is either a tossable computer part or a soon to be LKQ inventoried SKU.

Mark, I looked all over for the X7 'DB' edition, you were right, all V8s! Thank you, your video helped me narrow down all of the trim options so I could focus on the one that fits me the best. 🤔

*IDEA* for a special video topic: Put the ballooniest tire format allowed on a bread-and-butter vehicle focused on comfort not sporty driving performance and examine how much smoother/quieter the ride is and the overall difference in driving feel and whether the trend towards bigger wheels and thinner tires is madness. You could even do a bonus round and try to race a car with such tire format and examine how much driving quality is really lost.

Why do automakers keep putting these giant screens into cars when they work as smooth and consistent as an android phone from 2009?

Hell yeah love the Kirkland Signature hoodie.

Currently in a '23 X7 40i loaner while my pre-LCI XB7 is in the shop. I can say with certainty that iDrive 8 is a HUGE step backwards. Things that were once intuitive to use are now wrought with frustration.

BMW's biggest market is currently China. Their new/updated models are all designed with mainly that part of the world in mind.

You should make a spreadsheet of the best sounding cars + pros and cons audio system wise I would love to have one of those

Good video guys. I'm team BMW but I must say, the prices and the complexity are just too much. The Germans are just showing off now. Maybe because the gasoline era is winding down and this is there last dance, they are doubling down before the lights get turned back up. Imagine the maintenance costs of this thing out of warranty. It's insane.

I feel the 2 generations ago iDrive system designed primarily for a knob (but still perfectly usable with the touchscreen) was one of the best infotainments ever made, in terms of usability, functionality and performance (and the design looked nice enough too). The hard memory buttons with touch to preview is my favourite infotainment feature of any car.

I have a 2022 40i and that thing is a limousine shaped like a suv with all the performance you need!

Nice review. I just picked up a X5 xDrive 40i . I'm very happy with the inline 6 b58 engine and I can only imagine the power of the twin turbo V8.

Pre facelift was far better, bmw turned this into a really expensive Palisade

Just imagine owning this out of warranty…..holy sh!t 😂

Nice review, this S68 engine is interesting but so glad I picked up a CPO 2019 X7 with the V8 fully loaded last year. I got the physical buttons and rear seat entertainment, which with kids is great on long trips. X7 is a solid three row that will serve my family well, I am happy with the purchase but uncertain how long I will keep it after the CPO warranty expires…

I got the x7 x40i 2021 version. You are absolutely right. I wish I had the V8 lol. But aside from that, my experience with the x7 has been absolutely superb. It took BMW a long time to come out with a GLS killer, but the driving experience really shows.

You guys are the only car reviewers I can trust since you're not afraid to tell the truth for what it is. Please keep telling us what the cars are actually like, and don't sell out like so many car reviewers have done

Shortcuts are still available with iDrive 8. Select your shortcut, and access it by swiping down. Each shortcut is labeled, rather than requiring you to remember which radio button to press.

I absolutely love mine. Definitely a few quirks but I wouldn't trade it for an SQ7 or GLS any day of the week.

Savagegeese brought up Range Rover as competition for X7, but forgot to mention that RR uses BMW’s N63 engine (same as in M50i)

I honestly don’t mind the exterior. What they did doesn’t fit the new 7 series at all but it looks alright on the X7. It’s the lack of physical controls on the interior that bothers me.

the lack of the ac knobs is a daily nightmare

Great as always. You are 1 out of 4 of my go to guys for cars. You guys think about cars and evaluate them like I do. I have had 12 BMW X5's, my wife is on 2nd X7 ( refresh), I have had 2 Cayenne S and many M3/4 sense 2002. I agree with everything you said on new X7 vs 2020 X7. I am about to pull string on either refresh X5 M60i or Cayenne S with the V8, I would love your guys thoughts?? Thanks

Can you use voice assistant for everything instead of display? I seems like they are trying to get us to use voice more, in order make it cleaner an make more profits from making less breakable buttons. It actually makes sense.

This is the best car review channel .. these guys knows how to push the cars to the limits. I have x5 2020. The ventilated seats works better than on my Lexus. However, they are not cooled like Ford seats. I wish they were. The massaged seats on x5 are really aggressive. Wonder what changed on x7? I only wish they did headlight demonstration at nighttime. Good comparison to Kia product.. they seemed to look the same 😂

Great video as usual guys. In 2020 I wanted to get a 3 row suv and I asked what your opinion was and your answer if I remember clearly was if I had to have a 3 row. It turns out I don’t. I have 2 boys and in may of 2020 I chose a 2020 X5. It’s been my best car purchase so far. I love it. The B58 with the zf trans is amazing. If you want a bmw x vehicle and you do not need a three row or the wow factor of a v8, get an X5 with a B58 inline 6. It’s worth it guys.

BMW used to be all about driving. Everything on the car was simple, easy, functional and didn't have anything you did not need to drive. It was quintessential German. Function then form. There is one company you can get a real BMW from. Mazda.

Finally, real honest reviews. How no one else even mentions these negative comments on KZfaq is a mind blow! Thanks for your review.

Bling bling until the warranty runs out, it is then time to trade it in.

HVAC controls that are dangerously distracting and cup holders that can be damaged by liquid. It's a no for me, boss.

Great video guys - I had a 21' x7 M50i which was completely loaded and even included a Carbon upgrade that pushed it to 623 hp and 712 torque until a teenager pulled out in front of me and it was totalled. Trying to decide do I go back and get a 21' again or move up to a 23 or 24. Avoiding 22's since it's super hard to find one with DSC. BTW - you are so right about the depreciation on these - I took a massive hit with the insurance company despite having every upgrade in mine except for the tow hitch. Thanks for the insights on the 23'.

24:18 Jack can’t help mentioning the B58 again

Did one team start and another finish that front end ? Or maybe there was a dispute in house and it was done out of spite

The reviews are simply honest

Why not cover buttons under a panel like they used to go on the e39s and early X5s for example. Then they can have their clean look

I’m surprised Uncle Sam hasn’t forced the auto makers to make the start/stop feature unable to be turned off because EVERYONE shuts it off because it’s annoying. And just fyi the censorship is real out there

Ultimate Driving Machine, folks.

Great, great video. You guys are the best.

You've always said that the heated/cooled cup holders 'don't work'. But they work perfectly fine in my X5... drinks get cooled within minutes and stay warm/hot for a long time

If you push the iDrive selector up, you still have your shortcuts right there.

Impressive and comprehensive review. Great job.

Avoid. (1) Horrible wind and road noise for the side windows and front windscreen. Dealerships know it but can't/refuse to address it. (2) There are no all-season tires available for the M50i and M60i, only winter tires which cost $4K+ for a set. (3) You can't fit three kids booster seats across in the second row because of how inset the outer seat Isofix points are. Very odd for such a large car.

Hmmm interesting you guys should do a comparison with the base X 7 and the top trim Mazda Cx-90

Not the large-luxury-big dollar-SUV hauler review wanted, but the review we truly deserved 👏 👏 👏

Are some of the features just bad in the x7 or all across the higher end of the bmw line up? Also can you compare this to the ALPINA?

I just took delivery of the same M60i, color, trim, wheels. I love it

Mark we never had cooled seats. It is marketed as "Ventilated seats" 😂😂

This video is the reason that my sister bought an X5. The removal of the 1-7 buttons was the identifying feature for a new car for her.

The short cuts on the iDrive 8 are still there. it is a pull down from the top now.

You found the heated and cooled cup holders to be useful in your X5 M50i review… must have had a change of heart since then. I have an X7 and use them frequently and find them very useful and effective.

So for the value is the MDX Type S a better deal? As far as reliability, drive, etc? I know it doesnt have the power or drivetrain but is this really worth 25k extra??

Man, they have to do something about that "new" infotainment. I get it that this is business and they need to make money everywhere so they decided to put everything on the screen instead of having physical buttons that cost them money. I tried it during the test drives a couple of times and it is horrendous to operate. It is even dangerous since you have to shuffle through all those menus, while driving to setup up even the most basic things that used to take a second to do before. It is really, really bad and a huge turnoff for me. I will stick to older models because of that or switch to competition like Genesis

Jack is drenching in his jeans....😂😂😂

I think the front actually looks great on the X7 compared to the 7 series. Alamo’s “fits” the car better

Lol mark looks so genuinely happy with his purchase, enjoy the V8 goodness

Bought the X7 40i M sport package plenty quick. You get used to the screen. The front end, tech, and the hybrid system is why you buy the new one. It stands out plus I wrapped the pillars and roof like a range rover white body black roof and pillars. So far everything works fine, no problems.

Contrary to my friends' preferences, I dislike automatic stop/start with a passion. I find it irritating to no end, dealing with the herky jerky acceleration from a dead stop. I have not driven an X7 BMW incorporating a/s/s into the hybrid transmission along with engine cutoff during deceleration. However, it seems to be overcomplication without purpose. Is it possible to disengage the a/s/s in the M60i like it has been for so many years now?

Updated ‘Hermal shielding’ ?!??! Very fancy and I would pay extra for that technical excellence 😉

Love it compared to the 2020. Makes the 2020 look dated

Mark & Jack, name a better duo

nice honest thorough review - thanks! btw: I still find it hilarious that you are wearing a Kirkland Signature (hair loss product) hoodie lol

I really enjoy the redesign. I just wish the grille was a little bigger. Also I don’t think the split headlights do quite enough. I want a 6 or 7 split design. Every single led should have its own headlight housing. Imagine how gorgeous that would look ☺️

So glad I have a 2022 BMW with the physical HVAC buttons. I currently have a 2023 loaner right now and those HVAC controls on the touch screen are ANNOYING! That giant screen is so distracting.

Imagine having to navigate those menus... AND DRIVE A FREAKING CAR at the same time. I can't begin to explain how far BMW has lost me.