2021 BMW X7: Everything You Need to Know | In-Depth Review

March 23, 2021

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While American manufacturers like Cadillac and Lincoln have been mastering the art of creating a full-sized SUV with their Escalade and Navigator for more than two decades now, BMW just entered this league with the X7 back in 2019. And for a 2 years old SUV, this newborn has grown a lot.

Last year, the BMW X7 was the second best-selling full-size luxury SUV in the United States. With 23,230 units sold, it was just around 1,300 units behind the Cadillac Escalade’s sales figure, and it was the same story the year before (Cadillac came in first, BMW in second).

The X7 is BMW’s newest, biggest, and most luxurious SUV ever made. It is basically a jacked-up BMW 7 Series aiming to melt the heart of luxury SUV enthusiasts. It was also the answer to the equally luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLS Class back then.

This year, the major changes are the xDrive50i trim’s discontinuation in favor of the much more appealing ALPINA XB7. BMW also killed the optional Off-Road Package, which didn’t appeal to customers. At last, we applaud BMW for finally adding Android Auto as a new standard feature on the X7.

Exterior

If there is one word to describe the 2021 X7, it is ‘BIG.’ In fact, at 203.3 inches long, it is longer than a Land Rover Defender 110. And at 78.7 inches wide and 70.7 inches high, the X7 really stands out from the crowd.

Besides, the X7 features the largest kidney grilles fitted to any BMW in history. However, it does take a while to appreciate the new grille. Now, it’s important to mention that it’s also an active grille that opens to cool the engine and closes for better aerodynamic and fuel efficiency.

Thankfully, the side profile looks very proportional with its boxy and tall design, and the long-wheelbase does resonate a lot with its sedan sibling, the BMW 7 series. The roof also creates an unsloping line from the A-pillar to the back, making sure there is no compromise in interior space. Lastly, the rear end looks as posh and muscular as the front. It also features the same split tailgate as its smaller brother, the BMW X5, enhancing practicality.

Overall, the 2021 X7 adopts a modern styling that complements its large size, although its tightest rival, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS Class, might prettier.

Interior

Inside, the X7 is very luxurious and comfortable. Being a BMW, the interior is very well thought out as still very much driver-oriented. Moreover, everything is nicely laid out and pleasant to the touch. BMW also did not hesitate to use premium soft-touch materials and sturdy cabin components. Also, the second row is supremely comfortable and spacious.

The seats are made from top-quality materials, even from the base trim. Passengers also get a massive head and knee room on the first two rows. That’s especially true for the optional mid-row captain seats, which slide and recline for maximum comfort.

Furthermore, there is a 3-piece sunroof as well, one for each row, so that the cabin feels airier. It is a perfect BMW to be chauffeured in.

Naturally, the 2021 X7 seats seven, although a 6-seater configuration is available at an extra $850 with captain chairs in the second row. It is undeniably BMW’s most spacious 7-seater SUV. The passenger volume is class-leading as well, at 122.2 cubic feet.

Besides, with all seats in place, it has a decent cargo space at 12 cubic feet. Need more space? Folding down the third-row seats gets you to a much larger 48 cubic feet. You can also fold the second row to create a massive van-like 90 cubic feet.

However, the electrically-operated second-and third-row seats are slow, so the folding process might bore you. It is the same story when trying to access the third row.

Trims

This year, the US market gets the X7’s sweetest trims. BMW provides a complete trim selection for various types of X7 buyers, ranging from those who seek comfort and luxury up to those who seek brutal speed and acceleration. The available trims are xDrive40i, M50i, and ALPINA XB7.

2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i

Starting price: $74,900

The xDrive40i is the entry-level trim of the 2021 X7 since 2019. It is easily the best option if you are seeking comfort and elegance. It is also the only trim for those not so keen on the BMW M Sport division. In short, this trim focuses solely on posh and luxury.

Powertrain

Underneath the xDrive40i’s hood is the smallest engine in the range, but it is very smooth and certainly not underpowered. The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbo produces 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs to an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes. Meanwhile, the power goes to all four wheels via the xDrive AWD system.

With launch control, the X7 xDrive40i accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds. However, like in most modern BMWs, there is an electronic limiter at 130 mph. Still, the performance is not too shabby, considering that it accelerates faster than the Mazda MX-5 Miata, despite weighing more than twice at a hefty 5,397 lbs.

Nonetheless, we can see that the xDrive40i’s nature is not that sporty but comfortable, as BMW fitted a 2-axle self-leveling air suspension as standard for smoothing out bumpy roads.

The economy is decent as well, performing at 19 MPG/city and 24 MPG/highway. However, although significantly larger than the X5, the X7 has the same 21.9-gallon fuel capacity. Still, it can even chew 460 miles without stopping for fuel, which is plenty enough.

Exterior Features

From the outside, the xDrive 40i is looking very posh with the standard Luxury Package. It includes satin-finished exterior trims and elegant-looking single-tone 21-inch wheels. Non-metallic and some metallic exterior color options are available for free as well.

The base trim also has acoustic glass, featuring two or more glass sheets stuck together for better sound insulation. The side mirrors are power-folding and heated, and the right side mirror automatically tilts down when reversing for curb visibility.

The xDrive40i also comes with full LED headlights with automatic high beams that provide excellent brightness at night without blinding upcoming drivers. LED foglights and adaptive brake lights are also standard.

Interior Features

Even in the base trim, you are spoiled with many premium interior features. As standard, you get the SensaTec simulated leather upholstery in black and Fineline stripe brown high-gloss Wood trim. However, Vernasca and Merino genuine leathering pallets are also available at an extra $1,450 and $2,450, respectively.

Besides, everything you often touch is heated, like the seats, armrest, and steering wheel. The climate control has four zones and active-charcoal micro-filter ventilation, filtering unwanted particles and dirt from blowing into the cabin. There is also an automatic-dimming interior rear-view mirror and multi-color ambient lighting.

Meanwhile, the new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and similar-sized iDrive infotainment display are standard. The X7 xDrive40i also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Qi wireless charging, and a 10-speaker sound system.