2021 BMW X7

History/Overview

Introduced in 2019, the BMW X7 is the brand’s three-row SUV model. It’s also BMW’s poshest utility, its name positioning it as the SUV equivalent to the venerable 7 Series luxury sedan.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, the X7 gains a new Alpina XB7 trim level that becomes the model’s most-powerful variant.

Available Trims

BMW offers the X7 in xDrive40i, M50i, and Alpina XB7 trim levels. The first is powered by a turbo 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid assist system, while the latter two use a 4.4L turbo V8, with the Alpina version getting a notable power bonus.

All three engines come with an eight-speed transmission and AWD.

Standard Features

X7 xDrive40i standard features include remote engine start, air suspension, passive keyless entry, satin aluminum roof rails, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, 22-inch wheels, and LED fog lights.

Inside, there’s a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a universal remote control, a panoramic sunroof, velour floor mats, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated front armrests, four-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, a surround-sound stereo with satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The X7’s standard active safety suite comprises forward collision warning with city-speed automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, rear collision prevention, and speed limit info.

M50i adds sport exhaust and brake systems, a sport differential, soft-close doors, gloss black roof rails, electric side sunshades, heated and cooled cupholders, five-zone A/C, rear-seat USB charging ports, laserlight headlights, surround-view cameras, parking assistant, a head-up display, a drive recorder, an aerodynamics package, and high-gloss exterior trim.

Alpina models get 23-inch wheels, integral active 2steering, glass interior trim, and a leather dash.

Key Options

Options include a driving assistant package of steering and lane control, evasion assist, a driving assistant professional, front cross traffic alert, and active cruise control with stop-and-go.

The M Sport package opens up the option of different wheel styles, sport brakes and exhaust, an M steering wheel, and a black Alcantara roof liner.

A dynamic handling package brings active comfort drive and integral active steering.

The premium enhanced package adds heated/cooled cupholders, front comfort seats, head-up display, a driver recorder, soft-close doors, surround-view cameras, and electric sunshades. You can also add a rear-seat entertainment system.

A premium excellence package builds on the premium enhanced pack and gets an extended Merino leather interior, ambient air package, massage seats, and front ventilated seats.

You can also get two-tone paint, and a display key.

Fuel Economy

BMW’s fuel consumption estimates start at 12.1/9.8 L/100 km (city/highway) for the xDrive40i. The M50i and Alpina XB7 carry the same ratings of 15.7/11.5 L/100 km.

Competition

The BMW X7 competes with the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX, and Infiniti QX80.