2021 BMW X7 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$74,900 to $141,300

Original MSRP

7.7
of 10

expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(13 reviews)

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great handling

  • Powerful engine

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

7.7
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
2021 BMW X7 Test Drive Review summaryImage

The more time you spend driving the 2021 BMW X7, the more you’ll like it, except for one regularly irritating flaw.

In some parts of America, large luxury three-row SUVs are commonplace, but the list of available models is relatively short. Until recently, one famous German automaker was missing from the menu, but when the X7 arrived for the 2019 model year as a new BMW, that changed.

Based on the BMW X5 and built in the same South Carolina factory, the 2021 BMW X7 sees a few changes for 2021. The standard xDrive40i model gains a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain offering an incremental increase in efficiency, BMW cancels the xDrive50i version, and the performance-tuned Alpina XB7 debuts.

BMW also modifies the SUV’s standard, optional, and package equipment this year, restricting many of the X7’s most decadent features to the Alpina XB7.

8/10

Driving in many parts of metropolitan Los Angeles, you frequently spot examples of the BMW X7’s competitors on the road. And when you’re behind the wheel of an X7, making comparisons is natural.

In our opinion, the BMW X7 has greater interior quality than a Cadillac Escalade, more prestige than an Infiniti QX80 or a Lincoln Navigator, extra layers of technological sophistication over a Lexus LX 570, and significant visual presence in comparison to a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. But while we think it’s one of the better vehicles in the class, emotion drives choice in this segment, and you might feel differently.

Three versions of the 2021 BMW X7 are available. The X7 xDrive40i starts at an MSRP of $74,900, the X7 M50i kicks off at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7 extracts a hefty $141,300 from your bank account.

Our X7 xDrive40i test vehicle came with 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium extended leather, a leather-wrapped dashboard, an Alcantara suede headliner, glass interior controls, and a trailer hitch to leverage the 7,500-pound maximum tow rating. Additionally, it had all five available option packages, resulting in a window sticker reading $91,745, including the $995 destination charge.

You can blame the X7 for the giant grille trend at BMW. But, just as Acura kicked off its now-defunct “power plenum” grille design with the 2007 MDX (on which it looked right), the X7’s massive kidneys are appropriate on this large SUV. On a BMW coupe, convertible, or sedan, perhaps not so much.

In any case, the X7’s styling is appealing, expressing traditional BMW cues and enough glam to claim its rightful position at the top of the automaker’s SUV ladder.

Inside, the X5 and X7 share plenty, but with some minor differences. The two SUVs look and feel nearly identical from the driver’s seat, but this is not a problem. They share high-tech design, high-quality materials, mostly intuitive controls and technology, and some quirks that require acclimation over time.

Christian Wardlaw
Published Jun 29, 2021 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2021 BMW X7

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User rating:
by Don K
Oct 21, 2024
Car has every option that I needed . From the massage seats, you are able to control everything in the car from your drivers seat. It drives smoothly . Has plenty of safety features . And looks great . Oct 21, 2024
by Anonymous
Jul 12, 2024
One of the best suv your money can buy. Jul 12, 2024
by Steven S
Jul 10, 2024
Love the BMW X7! It has so much room and many features. Still learning how everything works, but I would not have bought anything else.Jul 10, 2024

2021 BMW X7 Pricing

Original MSRP
$74,900 to $141,300
Price range
$44,596 to $46,589
Average price on CG
$44,596
YoY price change
$54,203 to $44,613

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Internet radio app: Spotify · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 205 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: in-floor · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.64

Engine

Battery: lithium ion

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: split liftgate · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

Hybrid

Starter Type: starter/belt alternator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 16

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.7

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · Watts: 464

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: power side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.39 · Locking differential: rear

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: aluminum · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: silver-painted · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: body-color · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: front recording · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front, rear, third, and fourth row · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Internet radio app: Spotify · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · Watts: 464

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.5 · Front brake width: 1.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 15.7 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: crystal glass · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane changing · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: power side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 20

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.38 · Locking differential: rear

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: body-color · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 20

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: side recording · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app compatibility: BMW ConnectedDrive · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (3)