The 2022 BMW X7 comes with sleek and luxury but 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 boast 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.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
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 2022 BMW 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.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
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 2022 BMW X7’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
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 2022 BMW 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.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
The 2022 BMW X7’s infotainment system–featuring the latest iDrive 8 software–primarily operates through a 14.9-inch touchscreen that’s housed in the curved glass panel atop the dash.
The 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.
Along with a Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required), every X7 is available with BMW’s Digital Key which allows users to remotely control vehicle functions via a smartphone app. A more powerful Harman/Kardon stereo and wireless charging are optional features.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
Every 2022 BMW 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.
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