2022 BMW X7 Overview

Not so long ago, the most likely BMW to double as a personal limo
was the 7 Series sedan, but the 2022 X7 SUV is stepping into the role of
rolling palace for the rich. With more real estate to show off its luxury and
six seats spread across three rows, the largest Bimmer is suited to wealthy
families. While the cargo area and Wayback seats aren’t as spacious as rivals
such as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the X7 drives
better and boasts a choice of more desirable powertrains. Backed by an
automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the engine lineup includes
a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six and a 523-hp twin-turbo V-8. The 612-hp Alpina
XB7 delivers a ridiculous level of performance for such a large machine.

 Regardless of what’s in its upper trims, the 2022 BMW X7 features high-end
materials and high-tech features, as well as an interior that’s as quiet as a
library but is both comfortable and relaxing, making it the editors. Makes a
winner of the selection.

 

What is new for the 2022 BMW X7?

For 2022 BMW X7 will make only minor changes to the option packages
in the X7 lineup. While wireless device charging is no longer standard, better
Bluetooth is, and the M50i model now comes with power sunshades for the
second-row windows instead of manual.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Starting
at $75,895

 

Despite our fondness for the horsepower and blistering acceleration
of the twin-turbo V-8, we’d recommend the X7 xDrive40i. The six-cylinder
powertrain we tested was silky-smooth and quite quick. It has a host of
desirable standard features including four-zone climate control, a panoramic
sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated front seats,
a power tailgate, and more. We will also add another premium package from the
Vernasca leather upholstery selection. The latter includes a head-up display,
gesture controls, and soft-close doors.

 

Engines,
Transmissions, and Performance

The entry-level 2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i is powered by a 335-hp turbocharged
inline six-cylinder, and the M50i has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 making 523
horses. The Alpina XB7 features a specially tuned version of that V-8, which
produces 612 horsepower. All three engines are paired with an eight-speed
automatic and all-wheel drive. We found the six-cylinder model to be torquey
and quiet, but the V-8 was more engaging, and its acceleration was more
compelling. Its standard air suspension with adaptive damping delivers a smooth
ride, especially in Comfort mode. Unfortunately, the X7 has a tendency to lurch
into corners, which belies its otherwise athletic demeanor. 

The selectable
Sport mode tightens things up a bit, thanks to the narrow sidewalls of the
21-inch wheels, which have serious effects on the otherwise calm interior.
Those who want the most powerful X7, and can afford the hefty price, will appreciate
the Alpina XB7. BMW’s version showed surprising acceleration and surprising
poise to drive us around a tight race track.

Interior, Comfort, and
Cargo

Borrowing partly from the smaller BMW X5 SUV and partly from the
top-of-the-line 7 Series, the X7’s rich interior is well-appointed,
tech-packed, and spacious. A number of luxury features can also be found
inside, including heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable
steering wheel, and ambient interior lighting. However, we were annoyed to see
how slowly the power-operated, second-row captain’s chair moved when people
tried to get in and out of the third row.

 Likewise, the way back seats aren’t
particularly empty for adults during long drives. Still, no one is going to
complain about the X7’s ample internal cube storage. While we only managed to
fit three carry-on suitcases behind the third row, we’re 33 feet in total with
the rear seats up.

Fuel Economy and
Real-World MPG

The six-cylinder xDrive40i is estimated to return 24 mpg on the
highway and 19 mpg in the city. However, those who want a bit more grunt than
the V-8-powered version will have to sacrifice some fuel economy. The M50i is
rated at 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, and we don’t have estimates for the
Alpina model at this time.

 As part of our comprehensive testing routine, we
evaluated the xDrive40i’s highway fuel efficiency on our designated 75 mph
route, recording an impressive 28 mpg. The M50i even exceeded its official
rating, achieving 24 mpg on our real-world highway test. For more on the X7’s
fuel economy,