One of the fastest-growing niches in the automotive industry is that of the large SUV. With room for seven passengers distributed over three rows, the 2020 BMW X7 hits all of the marks with a vehicle that is spacious, luxuriously comfortable, and equipped with plenty of safety and convenience technology. While the large SUVs are often the brunt of jokes based on their size, BMW’s entry into this market brings a smooth ride with tight performance, thanks to innovative engineering and the attention to detail that BMW fans have come to prefer. Instead of driving like the proverbial “tank,” the X7 is designed as a performance vehicle.
The X7 hit the US market in 2019; therefore, the X7 is still in the early stages of its first generation. BMW has hit the ground running with this model, releasing a vehicle that provides a luxurious, high-performance ride while still having plenty of seats for the whole family, the entire team, or the full crew. Whether you’re headed on a lengthy road trip or coming back from softball practice, BMW has ensured that there’s not a bad seat in the house, so to speak. Every detail has been immaculately considered and engineered to offer comfort, convenience, safety, and security, no matter where the road leads.
BMW X7: An Overview of Excellence
The 2020 BMW X7 is available in three trims: xDrive40i, xDrive50i, and the new M50i. Each trim is blessed with its own engine, allowing drivers to not only choose the interior and exterior features that meet their needs but the power level they require from their vehicle.
The base xDrive40i includes a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine, which is paired to an eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive transmission. This engine provides 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Accompanied by BMW’s premier air suspension system, drivers coast along on 21-inch wheels without the jostling and bumps that typically accompany a large SUV. The fuel economy for the xDrive40i is a segment-standard 20 miles per gallon city and 25 miles per gallon highway.
The xDrive50i is equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that offers 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. This trim is also accompanied by the air suspension system and an eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive transmission. The fuel economy is somewhat less with this more powerful engine, rating 15 miles per gallon city and 21 miles per gallon highway.
The top M50i trim also includes a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine; however, this model is made for power, with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy is identical to that of the xDrive50i, with 15 miles per gallon city and 21 miles per gallon highway, and it features the same transmission and suspension as all models in the lineup. This model offers larger 22-inch wheels, which are optional on other trims.
Additionally, drivers may choose between a seven-seat X7, with a center bench seat, or a six-seat model, which replaces the center bench with two captain’s chairs. Regardless of which option is chosen, the second-row seats are motorized to slide and fold without fuss, and the third-row seats offer power-folding technology, as well. Bench seats fold 40/20/40, and the third-row seats fold 50/50. With second and third-row seats folded and stowed, the X7 offers an immense 90.4 cubic feet of cargo room.
Three Luxurious Trims
Besides receiving their own engines, each trim level- xDrive40i, xDrive50i, and M50i- is equipped with a full range of elite features that add to the excitement and enjoyment of driving the 2020 X7.
The xDrive40i may be considered the “base” trim, but it’s anything but basic. Drivers will appreciate the exterior convenience features, such as adaptive LED headlamps with automatic high beams, automatic windshield wipers, heated power-folding mirrors, a panoramic moonroof, and a two-section power tailgate. Inside, all passengers will enjoy SensaTec simulated leather upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, a ten-speaker sound system, and power-adjustable seats. The front seats are also heated, and drivers will appreciate the huge 12.3-inch touchscreen, which pairs with Apple CarPlay to provide navigation and infotainment features. A wireless device charging pad is also standard. Safety features of the xDrive40i include front and rear parking sensors, automatically dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.
The xDrive50i adds to the overall comfort of the 2020 X7 with even more elegant features, including full leather upholstery, contoured ergonomic 20-way adjustable front seats, a 16 speaker Harman Kardon sound system, remote start, and soft-close doors. Premier safety features include a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a head-up display that allows drivers to keep their focus on the road.
The line-topping M50i is new for 2020 and has been outfitted with more than just an exceptionally powerful engine. Drivers will also be keen to try out the M Sport brakes, M Sport differential and adaptive M Suspension, along with launch control and a sporty exhaust system. The legendary BMW M package is offered across the manufacturer’s lineup as a specifically sports-engineered performance edition of vehicles that was born at the racetrack and manifested in road-friendly models. As a result, the M50i embodies the performance of a high-speed track vehicle, while still providing ample space and incredible comfort for all three rows of passengers.
Options for Everyone
BMW offers the opportunity to upgrade and add stand-alone options or full packages to enhance your 2020 X7 experience. For example, when properly equipped, the X7 can tow up to 7,500 pounds; therefore, drivers who are considering hitching a boat or small trailer might consider the upgraded trailer system. The 22-inch wheels that come standard on the M50i models can also be added as options to the xDrive models, as well as running boards. Inside, buyers may choose to add a 20-speaker surround sound system or a dual-screen independent entertainment system.
Many of these options are bundled in packages that can complete the overall opulent sophistication of the 2020 BMW X7. The Premium Package adds remote start, automatic soft-close doors, electric window shades, and a 20 speaker Harman Kardon stereo system. The Executive Package includes some of the same features, yet adds heated and cooled cupholders, the safety-focused Head-Up display, and a Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof that simulates a clear, starry night.
For those who choose the xDrive50i model, yet want sportier performance, the Dynamic Handling Package can be added, including M Sport brakes, M Sport differential, and Active Comfort Drive handling. An Off-Road package is available for those who might need more body protection when climbing rough trails and includes four drive modes for a variety of settings, including sand, rocks, snow, and gravel. The Rear Entertainment package makes an excellent investment for large families who plan on taking long trips, adding two 10.2 inch HD touch screens on the back of the front seats, with Blu-Ray/DVD player, HDMI port, and two headphone jacks.
For drivers who want the ability to bring the whole group for the ride, the 2020 BMW X7 makes seven seats look elegant, while the highly engineered performance and drive of this vehicle takes it to a whole new level. From the smooth ride of the xDrive40i to the racing-inspired M50i, drivers may find that “carpool” becomes a term of envy. Behind the wheel of the 2020 X7 is nothing but luxury, with every comfort and convenience considered.
