2021 BMW X7 | Review & Road Test

For the latest BWM X7 pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/bmw/x7/


2021 BMW X7

Are you looking to buy a fancy 3-row midsize SUV? How fortuitous you clicked on this video.

This is the BMW X7. It’s the largest vehicle BMW makes, and, in that spirit, there is ample room for adults in all 3 rows.

OK, the X7 is an accommodating hold for humanity. What about cargo?

Behind the 3rd row, there’s a cozy hold. But drop the 3rd row and you’ve got a healthy 48.6 cu-ft to exploit. One element I really like is the split hatch. You’ll never sacrifice a can of baked beans to the driveway gods again.


Elsewhere the cabin indulges with fine materials and the technological trappings of luxury living. Ooh, leather. Look, real wood trim. Oh, and Killer 360 cam you’ve got there BMW. When not marveling at all those dazzling exterior views you can the iDrive 7 infotainment to manage your information and entertainment whims using the touchscreen or this control knob.


The 12.3-inch screen looks great, but the menu structure is not intuitive. If you need to use the BMW help section.

Alternatively, you can make a range of voice commands using BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant. Hey BMW, “I’m tired”. Who needs the discotheque when you’ve got an X7.


Moving onto the mechanical bits, the base xDrive40i we’re driving features a 3-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid abilities (335hp, 330 lb-ft) (19city/24hwy). There’s also a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 (523hp, 553 lb-ft) in the M50i that is, unsurprisingly, less efficient (15city/21hwy).

What is surprising is that when tuned for use in the Alpina XB7 that 4.4-liter V8 has the exact same fuel economy rating (15city/21hwy) despite its obscene jump in power. (612hp, 590 lb-ft)


Regardless of engine, all X7 models include all-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic, and a 7,500-pound tow rating.

I’m shocked at how quickly I can take this corner.

For maximum fun, use sport mode to firm the standard adaptive air suspension and lower the X7’s ride height.

Our tester also includes the dynamic handling package whose M Sport brakes and active steering feature further elevate the 7’s sporting prowess.

At a more relaxed pace, ride quality is outstanding. Wind and road imperfections are deftly obscured, gifting occupants a serene cocoon in which to contemplate existence and its purpose…or lack thereof.


And now, let’s talk price. For the kingly sum of $75-grand, not including destination charges, you can buy a base BMW X7 xDrive40i outfitted with 16-way heated front seats, heated armrests, quad-zone climate control, a power tailgate, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a robust array of active driver assist technology including lane departure warning, active blind-spot detection, and forward-collision warning.

And, unlike some fly-by-night car companies, BMW specifically notes that refrigerant is standard.

If you’ve ever had to supply your own refrigerant when buying a new car, be sure to leave a comment.


Among the countless options are heated and cooled cupholders, ventilated massaging front seats, soft close doors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a huge Panoramic Roof.

Spring for the Driver Assistance Pro Package and the X7 can manage the steering, braking, and accelerator all by itself…with vigilant human oversight of course.

Adorned with the cold weather, dynamic handling, luxury seating, and executive packages our XDrive40i lands around $96k.

Choose the more powerful X7 M50i and the starting price is $101-grand before options. Go with the most elite Alpina XB7 and you’ll need at least $143,000.


Before flinging that kind of coin at your nearest BMW dealer you might also want to investigate competitors like the comparably pricy Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class or the notably cheaper Audi Q7.

Or, if you want similar people hauling abilities with literally 10s of thousands of dollars in your pocket, something like a Volvo XC90, Lincoln Aviator, or Kia Telluride SX Prestige package would work.

You could also choose the smaller X5, which offers 3rd-row seating, but only if you view 3rd-row seats as an occasional use option.


But if you demand a family wagon marked by engaging driving dynamics, legit luxury, and a price tag to match, the BMW X7 could be the right fit.








00:00 2021 BMW X7
0:25 Interior
4:27 Engine
5:20 Driving Impressions
6:20 Pricing
8:20 Competitors