2021 BMW X7

The long nose with a broad hood is fronted by a ribbed kidney grille. It sweeps over a lower grille flanked by large C-shaped intakes topped with fog lights. Standard roof rails complement chrome or black rocker panels and large 21-inch wheels.

Inside, wood or metallic trim pieces contrast with black synthetic leather; it’s worth an upgrade of at least $1,450 for the real skins. Second-row captain’s chairs are another recommended upgrade to open up the interior space. 

The Alpina performance model comes with available 23-inch wheels with hot 20-spoke rims, and a splitter graces the front while Alpina rear diffuser and spoiler finish the rear with a quad exhaust.

The xDrive50 is not offered in 2021, creating a hefty price spread starting at about $75,000 and doubling that on the Alpina end. 

Is the BMW X7 4WD?

All-wheel drive is the only way to get an X7, and the near perfect 50/50 weight balance that favors the rear helps this portly 5,397-pound SUV handle much lighter than it looks but with the sure-footedness you’d expect from AWD. 

How fast is the BMW X7?

The xDrive40i has a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 that makes 335 hp and 331 pound-feet of torque. Paddle shifters and launch control might enable a quicker 0-60 mph time than BMW pegs at 5.8 seconds. There is plenty of power to shrug off any size concerns, and when not testing its limits the X7 remains quiet and composed. 

For about $100,000, the M50i uses a 4.4-liter turbo V-8 found in M models ranging from the M8 coupe to the M550i sedan. In the X7, it makes 523 hp and 553 lb-ft to help shuttle it to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Top speed increases from 130 mph to 155 mph for 2021. A sport-tuned exhaust pops off the V-8’s sweet-sounding burble for all to hear, and an electronically locking differential optimizes torque to the rear wheel with the most grip.

Then there’s the Alpina XB7, priced at about $145,000. The first Alpina SUV uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that makes 612 hp and 590 lb-ft. It hits 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. In a three-row SUV that weighs 5,860 pounds. Jaw dropped. BMW says it has a reinforced 8-speed with close gear ratios and quicker shift times. We haven’t had our minds blown by the Alpina yet but will report back when we do. 

The four-wheel independent suspension with standard air suspension comports the X7 for comfort and quiet in most uses, but can be tightened up for more spirited driving. It’s big and heavy and rolls into turns, but the dynamics still impress for a vehicle this size. 

An off-road package is no longer offered, and the trailer hitch goes from standard to optional. The xDrive40i can tow 5,400 pounds, while the Alpina can tow a Range Rover-esque 7,500 pounds.

Standard heated seats and armrests complement 16-way power adjustable fronts for plenty of comfort, and the available captain’s chairs give rear seat riders extra comfort, too. There is 37.6 inches of second-row leg room, and the power-sliding seats enable easy access in the third row, which is roomy enough for two adults. Cargo space behind the third row is limited to just 11.5 cubic feet, but power-fold those seats down for 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row. 

Cabin storage is smart without being cheap, with a deep center console, console cup holders that can warm or chill beverages for a price, wide cup holders in the door pockets, and even cup holders and armrests for third-row passengers.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, and parking sensors.

Options include a surround-view camera system, automatic parking system ($800), and head-up display. The driver assistance package ($1,700) lightens up the commute with hands-free driving for brief intervals on highways at speeds up to 40 mph in stop-and-go conditions.

It depends. The trim classes for the X7 are mostly divided by performance (and escalating price) between the xDrive40i, M50i, and the Alpina XB7. The xDrive50i is no longer offered, and the 75 units of the exclusive Dark Shadow Edition sold out before we could finish writing this sentence. 

The base xDrive40i hits all the right notes for a luxury three-row SUV with good performance and lovely features. It comes with remote start, synthetic leather upholstery and wood trim, heated power-adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel and armrests, a panoramic sunroof, and active safety features. The infotainment setup features twin 12.3-inch displays, including a touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a digital instrument cluster that has grown on us like the Digital Age. All of that gear costs $75,895, including $995 destination. 

All X7s come with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance, and a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance service. 

How much is a fully loaded 2021 BMW X7?

So you want to skip over the $100,000 M50i and go full hog? Let us steer you to the Alpina XB7 and its 612-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that goes 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. It’s $142,295 and comes with Merino leather upholstery, glass controls, a leather dashboard, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound, a head-up display, and all the performance upgrades. Add a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and rear-seat entertainment system to crack the $150,000 level.

That’s in line with the GLS, and only 2 mpg off the smaller X5 and the turbo-4 in the Volvo XC90. 

The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 in either the M50i or the Alpina X7 rates at 17/21/15 mpg.