Introduction

The 2021 BMW X7 holds a title: It's the biggest vehicle ever sold by the brand. This hulking three-row SUV is out to do battle with the legion of extra-large luxury rides like the Mercedes GLS and Cadillac Escalade. 

For 2021, BMW does a little switch with some X7 models. It's dropped the V-8-powered xDrive50i and introduced the fire-breathing Alpina XB7. This is one of the most potent SUVs extant, its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 churning out 612 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. An air suspension is also part of the package, as is a gussied-up interior and a few other bespoke touches. Prices begin at about $143,000. 

The base model remains the xDrive40i, which is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 making 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard-referenced by the xDrive moniker-and an 8-speed automatic takes care of shifting duties. 

With the xDrive50i gone, the only other V-8 model aside from the XB7 is the M50i. It uses the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 used in the XB7, but total output is a more reasonable 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Again, all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic are standard. 

The gas mileage champ is, of course, the 6-cylinder, which returns 20 mpg city, 25 highway, 22 combined. The M50i and XB7 both return an EPA-rated 15/21/17 mpg. 

Safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. Features such as a head-up display and a surround-view camera system are optional. 

The X7 has not been tested for crashworthiness by either the NHTSA or IIHS. 

Lineup

The cheapest X7 is the xDrive40i, which costs $75,895 after destination. Its standard features include 21-inch wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, a panoramic roof, 16-way heated front seats, and a power liftgate. A 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, as is a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster. 

The M50i just crests the six-figure mark at $100,795. The big upcharge buys V-8 power, rear-wheel steering, a limited-slip differential, 22-inch wheels, and bigger brakes. Interior upgrades include leather upholstery, 20-way front seats, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. 

The $142,295 XB7 pulls out all the stops with its 612-hp V-8, air suspension, illuminated crystal shift knob, Alpina badging, unique interior trim, and unique front and rear fascias. 

Walkaround

When the X7 first debuted in 2019, its massive twin-kidney grille symbolized the size creep that has infiltrated the ranks of BMW. The thing is, the grille isn't even all that large on the XL-sized X7. Keep in mind it measures 203 inches long and 71 inches tall and rides a long 122.2-inch wheelbase. Those dimensions are firmly full-size, even if it's about 10 inches shorter than an Escalade. 

Unlike an Escalade, the X7 at least tries to hide its bulk. The styling mimics the smaller X5, keeping a more crossover-esque air about it that helps shrink its visual footprint. The headlights and taillights accentuate width over height, further reducing perceived bulk. But make no mistake: the X7 makes its standard 21-inch wheels look small. It is a big crossover, even if it tries to be bashful about it. 

Interior

As the brand's flagship SUV, BMW went to great pains to appropriately bedazzle the interior. Even the base model gets sumptuous materials and finishes, and build quality is on par with any meticulously crafted six-figure car. It doesn't have the wow factor of a Mercedes of the same price point, but upon closer inspection the X7 clearly delivers cabin experience worthy of the MSRP. 

A 12.3-inch touchscreen handles the infotainment concerns and for the first time offers Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay compatibility. The iDrive software that underlies the system is fast and logical, making it easy to use from behind the wheel. 

With 16 directions of adjustment right out of the gate, the X7 is not short on passenger comfort in the front row. Ample glass area, the supremely supportive and comfortable seats, and other luxurious touches like a heated armrest make this an ideal SUV for road trips. 

In the second row passengers will find 37.6 inches of leg room and power-sliding seats, which enable easy access to the third row. Unlike many third rows, two adults can sit back there without fuss or discomfort. 

Cargo space behind the third row is just 11.5 cubic feet, but power-fold those seats down for 48.6 cubic feet. The second row folds away as well, opening up a total area of 90 cubic feet. 

Driving Impression

As far as big SUVs go, handling and driveability typically rank below cargo and passenger considerations. Not so for the X7, which seemed to give equal weight to driver engagement and maneuverability. The standard rear-wheel steering helps immensely in this regard, cutting down the turning radius and vastly improving agility. The result is an SUV that, when let loose on the road, drives with a certain verve not common to vehicles of this size. 

Powerful engines help imbue that enthusiastic personality. The base turbo-6 doesn't sound all that exciting at 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, but in fact it's enough grunt to get the X7 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Go for a quick pass and this version delivers with more than enough power. The 8-speed helps in this regard, as it is eager to fire off a downshift to get the engine in its meaty powerband. 

The M50i ups the ante with 523 hp from a twin-turbo V-8. Other goodies like a trick rear differential help make the most of that power, which can propel the 5,400-pound X7 to 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds. Breathless power exists at the tap of the gas pedal; stay on the gas a second or two longer than intended and triple-digit numbers will appear on the speedometer. 

The XB7 is the ne plus ultra of the lineup. Though it costs nearly twice as much as a base model, it brings a level of power and sophistication that is tough to match for any less money. The 0-60 mph run takes just 4.0 seconds flat; top speed is 180 mph. It can even tow up to 7,500 pounds, which is 2,100 pounds more than an M50i can manage. If the spec sheet is any indication, the XB7 should be the ultimate in practical, opulent speed. 

Summary

The 2021 BMW X7 is one of those rare SUVs that can hold copious amounts of stuff without sacrificing any of the performance, luxury, or personality that make less practical cars more appealing. Its strong powertrains and posh cabin make this an excellent choice for families seeking an opulent, athletic family hauler. We suggest shopping the base model, which we think will do just fine for most drivers. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.