[tantan911]

Hi,

I got my X5 40i in August 2022 (2022 model). I configured it through the BMW website and loaded it with every available option, including the third seat, Bowers & Wilkins speakers, air suspension, laser lights, and the Excellence package (excluding the heated/cooled cup holders and soft-close doors due to the COVID-related chip shortage). I love it! However, I recently had a third child, and now I have a car seat to accommodate (my kids are 12, 8, and 1 years old, with the youngest in a car seat).

My dealer in Canada is offering me a trade-in option for my X5. They are proposing an X7 M Sport package with an advanced driver assistance system and HK speakers.

The monthly payments would remain the same, with a $10,000 CAD down payment.

I occasionally use the third seat, but I could definitely benefit from more trunk space, especially with my baby stroller.

Will the second seats in the X7 provide more space for my two older children alongside my baby's car seat?

If I fold down the third seats, would it create a noticeably larger cargo area compared to the trunk of the X5?

I'm not a sedate driver. I enjoy pushing the accelerator occasionally. Will the X7's weight disappoint me compared to the X5? I understand that there's only a 30 hp increase from the 2022 to the 2024 model, but considering that my X5 has the third seat, the weight difference shouldn't be too significant, right?

Overall, do you think this is a good deal? Should I go for it?

Thanks,

[BlkGS]

A few thoughts.

If you're looking at an X7, it will likely have captains chairs. That means you're gonna use the 3rd row a lot. There's very little room behind the 3rd row. Our strollers would absolutely not fit back there. A small umbrella stroller for an older kid, sure. But not a full size stroller.

I think the bigger difference you may notice in driving the X7 is air ride. It's gonna be softer. It's also heavier too, it's not gonna have the dynamics of the X5.

Is the X5 and X7 both a lease? Or is it a finance over the next 7 years sort of thing?

Personally, as much as I like the X7, it's too small to really be a useful 3 row SUV. I was debating one vs my X5, and it was just not significantly larger enough. I'd get a Navigator or Escalade over X7 to be honest. Those are at least big enough to be worthwhile.

[tantan911]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

A few thoughts.

If you're looking at an X7, it will likely have captains chairs. That means you're gonna use the 3rd row a lot. There's very little room behind the 3rd row. Our strollers would absolutely not fit back there. A small umbrella stroller for an older kid, sure. But not a full size stroller.
The model they got is not the captains seat, so I can fold the 3rd seats

I think the bigger difference you may notice in driving the X7 is air ride. It's gonna be softer. It's also heavier too, it's not gonna have the dynamics of the X5.

My X5 got the air suspension too (it's mandatory with the 3rd seat option)

Is the X5 and X7 both a lease? Or is it a finance over the next 7 years sort of thing?

Both on a balloon finance

Personally, as much as I like the X7, it's too small to really be a useful 3 row SUV. I was debating one vs my X5, and it was just not significantly larger enough. I'd get a Navigator or Escalade over X7 to be honest. Those are at least big enough to be worthwhile.

I was thinking the same, and both the new 2025 escalade and Nav are amazing.Also, the new QX80 is a monster! But I don't like the size, I don't like the BIG SUVs

[BlkGS]

I'd encourage you to drive them. They don't really drive any bigger than X7 does IMO.

Here's the real issue with X7. It's the same width as the X5. So you're not spacing the kids apart any further than if you were in the X5..you'll get the larger trunk space with the 3rd row down, but my double stroller fits in the back of my X5 fine, our UPPAbaby Vista with its double seating configuration less so, but it fits. So you're really not gaining any space unless you put one kid in the 3rd row.

My two kids are both young, but they can hand things between each other in the back of my X5. I couldn't imagine stuffing another person in between them. Granted, we have large convertible car seats, if you ran something really slim for the baby you could maybe get away with it, but with a 12 year old too, unless they were small I think it'd be really, really tight.

Q7 I think would be too small too, it splits the size difference of X7 and X5. GLS is nice, that's slightly larger than X7 I think. Aviator is pretty nice too. Everything else is either larger like Escalade, or more mundane like Lexus TX.

[tantan911]

[QUOTE=BlkGS;31457034]I'd encourage you to drive them. They don't really drive any bigger than X7 does IMO.

Here's the real issue with X7. It's the same width as the X5. So you're not spacing the kids apart any further than if you were in the X5..you'll get the larger trunk space with the 3rd row down, but my double stroller fits in the back of my X5 fine, our UPPAbaby Vista with its double seating configuration less so, but it fits. So you're really not gaining any space unless you put one kid in the 3rd row.

My two kids are both young, but they can hand things between each other in the back of my X5. I couldn't imagine stuffing another person in between them. Granted, we have large convertible car seats, if you ran something really slim for the baby you could maybe get away with it, but with a 12 year old too, unless they were small I think it'd be really, really tight.

Q7 I think would be too small too, it splits the size difference of X7 and X5. GLS is nice, that's slightly larger than X7 I think. Aviator is pretty nice too. Everything else is either larger like Escalade, or more mundane like Lexus TX.

Really appreciate your thoughts 🙏 ❤️ I have the Uppababy vista single stroller and it fits fine in my X5. I only got 3 issues with my X5:

1- I'm 6.2 tall so I back my driver seat to the end
2- I didn't include the hitch and my 8y old son always want his bike when we go out.
3- With the car seat installed (large one) my son 8y always fight with his older sister to set in the middle which is too narrow, both keep hitting the air control with their legs.

You really turned my mind to check the Escalade, will see if they got strong offers on the 2024, or will wait for the 2025 but I'm sure it will be more expensive

[The Libertine]

First, were you interested in trading the X5 absent the nudge from the Dealer?

Second, my guidance is to determine if there is a benefit to you in making the trade. Whether it be space, options or performance? If the answer is yes, and financials are comparable then it may make sense. If not, I would wait until there exists a more compelling alternative.

Finally, and at a minimum, agree you should take one on a test drive. Easy enough after doing so to know whether or not you still want to still pursue the X7.

[BlkGS]

I'm the same height as you. My 3 year old thinks it's HILARIOUS to push on or kick the back of my seat. In our expedition, he can't reach. Great success.

The hitch, especially if just for bikes, isn't the end of the world to install. Stealth hitches has a nice option, but it's a little pricey.

I tell my.wife all the time that if something happened to our expedition I'd consider an X7. I also likely wouldn't buy it. Once you get used to the space the full-sizes offer, it's so hard to go back. I'd probably end up with another Expedition or a Wagoneer. Honestly, an Expedition Stealth Performance was high on my list before buying the X5, but it seemed silly since the wife has the non-performance stealth expedition. Tahoe RST performance was an option too, but lacked cooled seats, which was a deal breaker. But a 6.2 RST performance Tahoe with an lt4 blower woulda been perfect,.of it had cooled seats.

[arRod1981]

[QUOTE=tantan911;31457057]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

I'd encourage you to drive them. They don't really drive any bigger than X7 does IMO.

Here's the real issue with X7. It's the same width as the X5. So you're not spacing the kids apart any further than if you were in the X5..you'll get the larger trunk space with the 3rd row down, but my double stroller fits in the back of my X5 fine, our UPPAbaby Vista with its double seating configuration less so, but it fits. So you're really not gaining any space unless you put one kid in the 3rd row.

My two kids are both young, but they can hand things between each other in the back of my X5. I couldn't imagine stuffing another person in between them. Granted, we have large convertible car seats, if you ran something really slim for the baby you could maybe get away with it, but with a 12 year old too, unless they were small I think it'd be really, really tight.

Q7 I think would be too small too, it splits the size difference of X7 and X5. GLS is nice, that's slightly larger than X7 I think. Aviator is pretty nice too. Everything else is either larger like Escalade, or more mundane like Lexus TX.

[COLOR="SeaGreen"]Really appreciate your thoughts 🙏 ❤️ I have the Uppababy vista single stroller and it fits fine in my X5. I only got 3 issues with my X5:

1- I'm 6.2 tall so I back my driver seat to the end
2- I didn't include the hitch and my 8y old son always want his bike when we go out.
3- With the car seat installed (large one) my son 8y always fight with his older sister to set in the middle which is too narrow, both keep hitting the air [...]

To prevent them from changing the rear control settings have you tried locking the panel in the iDrive Control Settings? It doesn't turn off the rear climate control, just locks out the ability to use the rear panel to change the settings.

[bono]

I think you need to test drive potential replacements. Personally, I would not buy any American big SUVs, given their handling is poor. I survived with two kids and golden retriever in X5, even when going skiing. I do not see that much benefit of having a big trunk. The more space you have, the more crap you take. However, I understand that people have different priorities.

[CGG]

What am I missing? They are offering you an X7 for a down payment of $7,000 US/ $10,000 Can more than an X5? The X5 is a 2022 and the X7 is 2024?? Why in the world would you hesitate on that offer? They could sign me up tomorrow. Heck they could sign me up this afternoon.

The best part is you could dump those horrible laser headlights. Seriously, I must be missing something. What am I missing?

[tantan911]

Originally Posted by CGG

What am I missing? They are offering you an X7 for a down payment of $7,000 US/ $10,000 Can more than an X5? The X5 is a 2022 and the X7 is 2024?? Why in the world would you hesitate on that offer? They could sign me up tomorrow. Heck they could sign me up this afternoon.

The best part is you could dump those horrible laser headlights. Seriously, I must be missing something. What am I missing?

I will lose my BW speakers (which so important to me), and the only option they got is the captains seats, which means I need to open the third seat all the time, for sure my baby stroller will not fit there.

[tantan911]

Originally Posted by bono

I think you need to test drive potential replacements. Personally, I would not buy any American big SUVs, given their handling is poor. I survived with two kids and golden retriever in X5, even when going skiing. I do not see that much benefit of having a big trunk. The more space you have, the more crap you take. However, I understand that people have different priorities.

I tested the Escalade 2024 today platinum fully loaded. I hated it, so poor interior and feels like a bus.

[LDT]

You need a third row? Go drive a Benz GLS.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by LDT

You need a third row? Go drive a Benz GLS.

If he thought the Escalade interior was poor he's gonna have some serious thoughts about the symphony of creaks that is a modern Benz interior...

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by CGG

What am I missing? They are offering you an X7 for a down payment of $7,000 US/ $10,000 Can more than an X5? The X5 is a 2022 and the X7 is 2024?? Why in the world would you hesitate on that offer? They could sign me up tomorrow. Heck they could sign me up this afternoon.

The best part is you could dump those horrible laser headlights. Seriously, I must be missing something. What am I missing?

Lose the terrible laser lights? Um, what? The lasers are GREAT.

[tantan911]

[QUOTE=BlkGS;31458203]Lose the terrible laser lights? Um, what? The lasers are GREAT.

Exactly!

[tantan911]

My dealer found a 2024 X7 with seven seats (without captain's seats) and all the features that are currently present in my X5, with the exception of the speakers (HK, not BW).

The additional cost is $10,000 CAD down, and $650 CAD increase in monthly payments.

I don't think it worth it 😕

[CGG]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

Lose the terrible laser lights? Um, what? The lasers are GREAT.

I have them - without a doubt worst headlights I have ever had ever had. They are great in Europe but dumbed down for North America. They were essentially a con job in North America. But some people bought the con.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by CGG

I have them - without a doubt worst headlights I have ever had ever had. They are great in Europe but dumbed down for North America. They were essentially a con job in North America. But some people bought the con.

Yeah... You might want to get yours checked. I have them too, and while they may not be "as great as the Euro ones", they're still very very great.

[BruinMan]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

Lose the terrible laser lights? Um, what? The lasers are GREAT.

I agree! They illuminated the whole road; bright, white and more than you need. I actually love the cool cosmetics blue inserts.

You can program the Ant-Dazzle feature in the US to work similar to the Euro lasers.

[tantan911]

Originally Posted by tantan911

My dealer found a 2024 X7 with seven seats (without captain's seats) and all the features that are currently present in my X5, with the exception of the speakers (HK, not BW).

The additional cost is $10,000 CAD down, and $650 CAD increase in monthly payments.

I don't think it worth it 😕

What do you think guys ? walk away ?

[typedcl]

If I had 3 kids, I wouldn't do it. Certainly not if I'm 6'2" and if my kids are in striking range of being tallish teenagers.

In my mind, a X7 is really a X5+... with it being a very small plus.

Do you do much road trips? Pack a bit into the car? The cargo area might work if your whole family packs light. But with a new baby, the stroller and baby stuff is going to take a lot of room.

Driving dynamics aren't as good as an X5 either.

The real question is what would your alternative be...

If you really don't like big SUVs... that's fine if the kids can be packed in. I remember seeing a family of 4 get into a non-suv Porsche once. The older kid looked like they were 10 years old. Props to that guy for making it work.

But I wouldn't do it. Certainly not for a $650 CAD increase in monthly.

Hope that helps. Best of luck finding a car you like.