WHEN there’s an automotive niche to fill, BMW is usually one of the first brands to fill it, but not in this case. See, upper-large SUVs have been around for a while, with luxury versions like the Range Rover firmly front of mind when the topic is brought up.

But it wouldn’t be like BMW to rest on its laurels. Enter the X7. Yes, the new model’s name is predictable but the weight of expectation it carries is significant. In Bavarian folklore, the number seven is held in high regard. Very high.

With the storied 7 Series limousine as its guiding light, does the X7 not only put heat on its rival upper-large SUVs but also earn its hallowed moniker? We put it to test in entry-level xDrive30d form to find out.