By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It seems every automaker wants a full range of SUVs to satisfy our SUV/crossover crazed world. So it behooved BMW to build a full-sized sport utility — bigger than its mid-sized X5 — to compete with such luxury models as the Audi Q7, Lincoln Navigator and the Mercedes-Benz GLS Class. Enter the new South Carolina-built X7, which is BMW's largest SUV ever with a useable three rows of seating.

The new SUV is designed to look large, and there's no mistaking it for anything but a BMW. The X7 has familiar BMW design language, but in a way that focuses on the vehicle's size. Large standard 21-inch wheels add to the vehicle's presence. For perspective, the X7 is about the same overall size as a Chevy Tahoe, and nine inches longer than the X5.

The X7 can carry up to seven passengers, a large amount of cargo or both — or tow big toys such as boats and RVs. The BMW can be outfitted with a second-row bench seat to increase capacity from six to seven passengers. The best way to go in our opinion is with the very comfortable second-row captain's chairs, great for long trips. They can slide fore or aft up to 5.7 inches. Legroom and headroom are adequate in the third row for normal-sized adults.

One caveat on cargo space — if all three rows of seats are in use, storage space is limited, just enough for a week's groceries or two carry-ons. Fold the third row down and space increases dramatically to 48.6 cubic feet, and with all seatbacks down, cargo space expands to a generous 90.4 cubic feet.

The standard air suspension allows the X7 to be lowered — at the touch of a button on the tailgate — to make loading cargo easier. The new X7 also features a two-section split tailgate, both elements of which have electric opening and closing as standard.

The X7 can tow up to 7,500 pounds regardless of engine size; here BMW offers two choices — a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that makes 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, designated the xDrive40i that covers 0-to-60 in 5.8 seconds; and a turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 making 456 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. We tested the V-8 and found that it has exhilarating performance considering the massive curb weight of 5,617 pounds. BMW says the xDrive50i has a 0-to-60 time of 5.2 seconds.

Gas mileage is rated at 20 mpg city, 25 highway and 22 overall on the six-cylinder and 15 city, 21 highway and 17 combined on the V-8. Premium gas is required for both engines.

All-wheel drive is standard and both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission that responds quickly when called upon. The standard adaptive suspension smooths out road imperfections, and handling is excellent. The X7 copes with curving roads in a confident and poised manner with the help of the standard steering assist feature.

Inside, the standard leather power and massaging seats proved extremely comfortable, the surroundings were first-class, the interior design elegant —much like the 7 Series sedan — and the noise level was hushed. The standard 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system in our xDrive50i provided us with ear-pleasing sounds. One of the better audio systems we've encountered. (A 10-speaker audio system is standard on the xDrive40i).

The X7's infotainment system uses the latest version of BMW's iDrive and a high-resolution 12.3-inch center touchscreen display. As is the case with other iDrive systems, the X7 uses a center-console-mounted control dial along with a series of console- and dash-mounted buttons. We found the system easy to use, perhaps in part because we've been privy to several other BMW products in recent times.

If you comparison shop you might find the X7 a bit more pricey for the same equipment than some competitors. The xDrive40i starts at $74,895 and the xDrive50i begins at $93,995 including destination charge. Options are many and some are highly desirable.

For instance, our already well-equipped xDrive50i test car came with such options as the Dynamic Handling Package for $4,750 that includes such things as front-mounted camera (very effective way to see curbs when going forward out of a parking space), active comfort drive, M Sport differential, and four-wheel steering; the Executive Package for $2,100 that includes adaptive headlights, panoramic sunroof, and choice of interior light patterns; and the Premium Package for $1,550 that includes soft close doors, gesture control for the audio system, and rear power sunshade.

Bottom line on our test car came to $117, 945 including destination charge.

Essentials
Base price: $74,895; as driven: $117,945
Engine: 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8
Horsepower: 456 @ 5,250 rpm
Torque: 479 foot-pounds @ 1,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive: all-wheel
Seating: 2/2/2
Wheelbase: 122.2 inches
Length: 203.3 inches
Curb weight: 5,617 pounds
Turning circle: 42.8 feet
Luggage capacity (behind 2nd row): 48.6 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 90.4 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 7,500 pounds
Fuel capacity: 21.9 gallons (premium)
EPA rating: 15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
0-60: 5.2 seconds (BMW)
Also consider: Audi Q7, Mercedes GLS, Volvo XC90

The Good
• Two good engine choices
• Smooth ride
• High-quality interior
• Useable third row

The Bad
• Minimal space behind 3rd row

The Ugly
• Expensive for segment