Living in the current automotive landscape is a bit of a mixed bag. While the trend toward downsizing engines is evident across the industry, there remain a handful of exceptions—cars that cling to the tradition of large-displacement powerplants. One such exception is found in BMW’s lineup, where the venerable V8 engine still holds sway. In particular, the M division has made a commitment to maintain the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 until at least the end of this decade. Remarkably, there’s even speculation that it might persist beyond 2030, particularly in regions with less stringent emissions regulations, such as the United States.
Last year, BMW introduced a bold mid-cycle refresh for its X7 luxury SUV. As part of this update, the M Performance variant underwent a rebranding from M50i to M60i. This change was more than just a name swap—it heralded a significant transformation under the hood. The vehicle received a new mild-hybrid powerplant, known as the S68 engine, designed to enhance efficiency through the integration of 48-volt technology. Although this powertrain didn’t bring any additional power, it promised improved fuel economy. The focus of this new video is to explore the performance capabilities of BMW’s latest V8 iteration, which could potentially be its swan song.
Despite its substantial weight of over 2,600 kilograms (5,700 pounds), the BMW X7 M60i demonstrates impressive agility on the road. It effortlessly reaches its top speed limit while cruising at full throttle on the unrestricted stretches of the Autobahn. The M Performance variant of the X7 achieves a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), but for those craving even more velocity, the more potent ALPINA XB7 is capable of hitting 180 mph (290 km/h).
What’s particularly striking about the X7 M60i is not just its acceleration, but also its unwavering stability and comfort even under intense acceleration. During in-gear acceleration tests, the X7 M60i sprints from 62 to 124 mph (100 to 200 km/h) in just 11.55 seconds, outperforming its predecessor, the X7 M50i, which required 11.86 seconds for the same sprint.
The BMW X7 has garnered praise, especially in its M60i guise. However, the recent Life Cycle Impulse update stirred controversy due to its unconventional split headlight design. Furthermore, the price of admission continues to climb, with the 2024 model commanding $108,700 in the United States before adding any options. Nonetheless, this remains considerably more affordable than the 2024 ALPINA XB7, which commands a staggering $149,400.
In conclusion, while the automotive industry marches forward with advancements in efficiency and sustainability, there’s a certain allure to the enduring legacy of powerful V8 engines. The BMW X7 M60i stands as a testament to this legacy, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and prestige that continues to captivate enthusiasts, albeit at a price. As we navigate the evolving landscape of automotive engineering, it’s both a celebration of tradition and a glimpse into the future of motoring.
Source: AutoTopNL / YouTube
