Last year, BMW introduced its largest and most luxurious SUV ever: the X7. The 2020 BMW X7 gets a more powerful M50i model that gets the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine as the BMW 8-Series and the 7-Series, making it the most powerful SUV in the automaker's lineup. The X7 M50i also gets a revised eight-speed automatic transmission, a launch-control feature, and an M-division-tuned air suspension.
The X7 is offered in three trims: xDrive40i, xDrive50i, and M50i. Prices start at $74,895 including destination for the xDrive40i and go up to $100,595 for the new M50i trim.
Two engines are available for the X7, though the available V8 is available in two states of tune. All trims come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
| Engine Type | Trim Level | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
| 3.0L Turbo 6-Cylinder | xDrive40i | 335 hp | 330 lb-ft | Not Yet Rated |
| 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | xDrive50i | 456 hp | 479 lb-ft | 17 mpg |
| 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | M50i | 523 hp | 553 lb-ft | 17 mpg |
Despite making an extra 67 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, the M50i’s impressive powertrain manages to be just as efficient as the xDrive50i's setup. Considering the extra power and performance brought on by its M division parts, it’s surprising to see.
All X7s can seat up to seven, though seating for six is available with the $850 second-row captain's chairs option.
Cargo capacity is competitive for the class. Behind the third row, the X7 has 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space. That figure opens up to 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row, or 90.4 cubic feet with both rows out of the picture.
BMW packs the X7 with standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and BMW’s Active Protection System that pretensions the seat belts, closes any open windows, and activates post-crash braking if it detects an imminent accident.
Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic jam assist are available through the $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional Package. A surround-view camera and BMW's park assist system require the $800 Parking Assistance Package, which becomes standard equipment on the xDrive50i and up. Meanwhile, night vision with pedestrian detection is a $2,300 standalone option.
Every X7 comes with two 12.3-inch displays – one for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. Navigation, two USB ports, a wi-fi hot spot, 32 GB of multimedia storage, one-year of Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging are standard. Android Auto isn't offered.
On the xDrive40i, a head-up display and gesture control for the infotainment system are available in the $2,800 Premium Package, which also includes remote start, soft-close automatic doors, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system. This equipment becomes standard at the xDrive50i level.
The xDrive40i’s price tag may be high, but the SUV comes equipped with a lengthy list of standard equipment. Standard exterior equipment includes a panoramic moonroof, 21-inch wheels, heated exterior mirrors, adaptive LED headlights, and adaptive brake lights.
On the inside, the xDrive40i comes with leatherette upholstery, 16-way power front sport seats, four-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, extended ambient lighting, heated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
If you’re looking for a sportier look, an M Sport Design that adds a more aggressive body kit, alongside some M division equipment and convenience features, is an extra $4,350.
If you want heated second-row seats, they're available with the Cold Weather Package that costs $1,200, which also brings a heated steering wheel and five-zone automatic climate control.
The main draw of the xDrive50i is the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. In addition to the aforementioned surround-view camera, park assist system and the contents of the Premium Package, it also adds leather upholstery, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and 20-way front sport seats.
The M50i brings the more powerful V8, a different front end, an M sport exhaust system, an electronic rear differential, larger M sport brakes, and 22-inch wheels.
Luxurious, massive, tech-forward, and powerful, there’s very little the 2020 BMW X7 doesn’t do. Prices are already high, and ticking a few boxes can raise them to absurd figures. Unless a V8 is a necessity, sticking with the xDrive40i and choosing a few of the high-tech packages is the best way to go.
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