[Auto] 2021 BMW X7 Review

[HiTLeR]

 

KBB Editors’ Overview

KBB Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5

The 2021 BMW X7 is a luxury 3-row midsize SUV/crossover. As the number implies, it’s bigger than the X5. It’s actually the largest vehicle BMW makes. There’s plenty of room for adults in every row, along with a commodious cargo area and an extensive menu of upscale features.

 

Being a BMW, however, it still rides and handles in an engaging way. Not with the same precision as, say, an M3, but the X7’s road-going talents are nevertheless remarkable for its size.

The X7 was an all-new vehicle for the 2019 model year, so its style and technology remain fresh. This year sees the introduction of the Alpina XB7, a specially tuned version also built in Spartanburg with the regular X7 and available from BMW dealers with a full factory warranty.

 

Rivals in this rarefied class include the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Audi Q7, Lincoln Aviator, and Lexus GX. The GLS-Class is slightly larger; the Aviator and GX are considerably less expensive.

 

How Much Does the 2021 BMW X7 Cost?

The so-called entry-level model is the 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $74,900. A $995 destination charge brings that to $75,895. The 2021 X7 M50i starts at $100,795.

 

If anyone is considering the Alpina XB7, they should have a budget of at least $143k. Adding options to any X7 will naturally push all these figures higher. It’s possible to take an M50i to $125k.

 

The 2021 X7 is more expensive than the Audi Q7, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and the venerable (old) Lexus GX. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is about the same. Although not as performance-oriented, a nicely equipped Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90, or Infiniti QX60 (new for 2021) would all be around $25k less than a new X7.

 

Before buying, check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for their new X7. In the resale value stakes, the X7 retains its worth as well as the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, slightly less than the Range Rover Sport and Volvo XC90, and higher than the Infiniti QX60 and Cadillac Escalade.

 

Driving the 2021 BMW X7

At high speeds, the X7 feels wonderfully stable and planted. And amazingly quiet, creating the deceptive notion that the X7 is moving slower than it really is. The ride is enhanced by an air suspension that nullifies most jolts, yet without the slightly unnerving floating feeling over rough surfaces.

 

The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 is a smooth engine with linear power delivery and negligible turbo lag. Not quite as eager, obviously, as the raging 523-horsepower V8 in the M50i, but the xDrive40i is almost $25,000 less than its V8-powered stablemate, and that can buy a lot of options.

 

The xDrive40i is estimated to average around 21 mpg. The V8-powered M50i achieves 17 mpg. The inline-6 is also the quieter engine, which will appeal to many drivers who think a luxury SUV should be silent as well as swift.

 

Sport mode firms up the suspension and lowers ride height by almost an inch, which drops the center of gravity a little for optimum cornering ability. The automatic transmission’s shift points also occur higher up the engine’s rev range, and the action becomes even quicker. Sport mode also energizes throttle response.

 

Just for the fun of it, the Alpina XB7’s twin-turbocharged V8 makes a mighty 612 horsepower and propels this almost 6,000-pound beast from standstill to 60 mph in a phenomenal four seconds flat, on the way to a top speed of 180 mph.

Favorite Features

SLIDING 2ND-ROW SEATS
This motorized feature is standard with either the 2nd-row bench seat or the captain’s chairs, helping accommodate passengers of all sizes. And elongated rear doors provide easy access.

 

ONE-TOUCH FOLDING SEATS
A set of switches located handily in the luggage area allow the middle and 3rd-row seats to be folded for maximum cargo space. With both rows folded, that adds up to 90.4 cubic feet. Push another button, and the X7 lowers to making loading large and/or heavy items a bit easier.

 

2021 BMW X7 Interior

The 2021 X7 can be ordered as a 7-seater with a center bench or a 6-seater with captain’s chairs in the second row. Either way, this large and lavish BMW SUV has an arguably handsome cabin, with lots of fine leather and attractive wood trim.

 

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is modern and highly configurable, and the seventh generation of BMW’s multifunction iDrive controller takes its usual spot on the center console, backed up by a few (much appreciated) physical buttons.

 

Overall space is excellent. There’s enough headroom and legroom for 6-footers to sit comfortably in either of the two back rows. The 2nd-row seats also tip forward to aid entry and exit.

There are, however, some changes for 2021. Certain options are no longer available, such as black Vernasca leather with contrast stitching, or brown-metallic ash wood trim. And buyers can’t specify an Alcantara (simulated suede) headliner in the same color as their upholstery. On the plus side, the xDrive40i gains heated armrests/steering wheel/front seats as standard.

 

2021 BMW X7 Exterior

The largest double-kidney grille to ever grace a BMW leaves even a casual observer in no doubt of the X7’s manufacturer. There’s also the familiar silhouette — like an X5, only stretched.

Relatively slim headlights emphasize the X7’s width. The “hockey stick” features along the bottom of the flanks are reminiscent of the 7 Series flagship sedan. The rear end’s design of a chrome bar between compact LED taillights does the same thing.

 

Vermont Bronze Metallic is no longer among the paint choices.

 

2021 BMW X7 Standard Features

Changes in standard equipment for the 2021 X7 see the addition of Android Auto smartphone integration, a 12-month all-access subscription to SiriusXM with 360L, remote start, and heating elements wherever hands, elbows, and posteriors come to rest (up front, at least).

 

Other equipment in the X7 xDrive40i includes 21-inch alloys wheels, air suspension, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, panoramic moonroof, simulated leather upholstery, tinted rear privacy glass, power-adjustable steering column, power-adjustable seats in all three rows, quad-zone automatic climate control, 12.3-inch digital driver information display, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, Wi-Fi, wireless smartphone charging, and a 205-watt/10-speaker audio system.

 

Among the standard driver assistance features are forward-collision warning with pedestrian protection and automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, front/rear parking sensors, and speed limit information.

2021 BMW X7 Options

The Executive package for the xDrive40i (reduced this year from $4,100 to $3,850) brings several desirable extras such as a head-up display, gesture control for the infotainment system, soft-closing doors, glass controls, and a 464-watt/16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

 

The Driving Assistance Professional package adds an extended traffic-jam assistant, evasive steering assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The Parking Assistance package steers the X7 into parallel and perpendicular spaces, adds a 360-degree camera system, and a drive recorder.

 

The X7 M50i has many of these extras as standard. It also comes with 22-inch alloy wheels, plus M Sport differential/brakes/exhaust system.

 

Other options include 5-zone automatic climate control, massaging/multi-contour front seats, 2nd-row captain’s chairs, aluminum running boards, rear-wheel steering, and (in the M50i) a 1,500-watt/20-speaker surround-sound system from Bowers & Wilkins.

 

BMW has stopped offering a rear-seat entertainment system for the 2021 X7. And the Night Vision feature.

 

2021 BMW X7 Engine

The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 in the X7 xDrive40i now has a mild hybrid system. It’s a 48-volt setup that provides the energy for the engine’s stop/restart system and ancillaries like the water pump. Drive belts are no longer required, so parasitic losses are reduced. It doesn’t have much impact on fuel economy or engine output. This unit makes 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.

 

The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 in the X7 M50i develops 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The new-for-2021 Alpina XB7 takes that engine and boosts it to 612 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

 

An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is deployed in every 2021 X7. All-wheel drive is standard across the range, and maximum towing capacity is 7,500 pounds.