9.5/10 C/D RATING
Highs Cushy ride and hushed cabin, silky, powerful engines, Alpina XB7's outrageous performance.
Lows Short on cornering poise, limited room behind the second row, slow-moving power-folding rear seats.
Verdict Despite the cabin's space constraints, the X7 is a large and lavish SUV with delightful powertrains.
Not that long ago, the BMW most likely 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 exhibit its expensiveness and six seats spread among three rows, the biggest Bimmer is well-suited for affluent families. While the cargo area and way-back seats aren't as roomy as those in rivals such as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, the X7 drives better and boasts a selection of more desirable powertrains. Backed by a terrific automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the engine hierarchy includes a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six and a 523-hp twin-turbo V-8. The 612-hp Alpina XB7 affords ridiculous levels of performance for a machine this massive. Regardless of what's under its high hood, the 2022 BMW X7 has gobs of upscale content and high-tech features as well as an interior that's as quiet as a library but both comfier and ritzier, making it an Editors' Choice winner.
For 2022, BMW makes only small changes to the X7 lineup's option packages. While wireless device charging is no longer standard, enhanced Bluetooth is, and the M50i model now comes with power sunshades instead of manual ones for the second-row windows. The Dynamic Handling package (upgraded M Sport brakes, active suspension stabilization, etc.) and rear-wheel steering are no longer available as individual options on the xDrive40i model.
Alpina XB7
Despite our fondness for horsepower and the twin-turbo V-8's blistering acceleration, we'd recommend the X7 xDrive40i. The six-cylinder powertrain that we experienced was silky smooth and plenty quick. It has a host of desirable standard features that include four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated front seats, a power tailgate, and more. We'd also add one of the Vernasca leather upholstery choices and the Premium package. The latter includes a head-up display, gesture controls, and soft-close doors.
The entry-level X7 xDrive40i is powered by a 335-hp turbocharged inline-six-cylinder, and the M50i has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that makes 523 horses. The Alpina XB7 has a specially tuned version of that V-8, which develops 612 horsepower. All three engines pair 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 charming, and its acceleration was more urgent. Its standard air suspension with adaptive damping provides a smooth ride, especially in Comfort mode. Unfortunately, the X7 has a tendency to lean in corners, which belies its otherwise athletic demeanor. The selectable Sport mode tightens things up slightly, with sharp impacts intruding on the interior's otherwise placid calm due to the narrow sidewalls on the 21-inch wheels. Those who want the mightiest X7, and can afford its steep asking price, will appreciate the Alpina XB7. The version BMW had us drive around a tight racetrack boasted astonishing acceleration and demonstrated surprising poise.
The six-cylinder xDrive40i is estimated to earn up to 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. However, those who want a little more grunt from the V-8–powered version will have to sacrifice some fuel efficiency. The M50i is rated at 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, and we currently don't have estimates for the Alpina model. We tested the xDrive40i on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and recorded 28 mpg. The M50i also exceeded its government rating, achieving 24 mpg on our real-world highway test. For more information about the X7's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Borrowing partially from the smaller BMW X5 SUV and partially from the upscale 7-series, the X7's rich interior is well-appointed, tech-packed, and spacious. Plenty of luxury features can be found inside as well, including heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and ambient interior lighting. However, we were irritated by how slowly the power-operated, second-row captain's chair moved when trying to let people in and out of the third row. Likewise, the way-back seats aren't especially roomy for adults during prolonged drives. Still, no one will complain about the X7's ample interior cubby storage. While we only managed to fit three carry-on suitcases behind the third row, we fit 33 total with all the back seats stowed.
Every X7 is loaded with high-tech features, including a fully digital gauge cluster and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. Its infotainment system can also be operated by a large rotary knob on the center console as well as through gesture controls that are more gimmicky than useful. Every model has a 10-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay capability, built-in navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A more powerful Harman/Kardon stereo and wireless charging are optional.
Every X7 has an assortment of standard driver-assistance technology in addition to several more advanced options. For more information about the BMW's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Standard lane-departure warning
BMW offers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is bolstered by above-average complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
2021 Alpina XB7
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 6- or 7-passenger, 4-wagon
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Cargo volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 5950 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
100 mph: 10.0 sec
1/4 mile: 12.1 sec
Top speed: 180 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
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