2022 BMW X7 M50i

　　

2022 BMW X7 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　If you're in need of a large luxury SUV with a bit more performance and driver engagement, the 2022 BMW X7 might be just the right fit. In many ways, the X7 delivers a similar driving experience as the smaller X5 but comes standard with three rows of seats and has a larger cargo area. It also comes well stocked with just about all of BMW's latest luxury and technology features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 BMW X7 M50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$267/mo  for X7 M50i

　　X7 M50i

　　M50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $99,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Though the X7 is the largest SUV in BMW's lineup, it's still smaller than America's homegrown Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. This could be a positive or negative depending on what you're looking for. It's definitely sportier, especially when equipped with its available turbocharged V8. But for maximum passenger and cargo space, the Escalade and Navigator win out. The Mercedes-Benz GLS is another standout rival. Check out the categories of our test team's Expert Rating to learn more about the 2022 X7's hits and misses.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the X7 drive? We tested the X7 in xDrive50i guise. It provides simply delightful acceleration. But there can be a small delay between the time you touch the gas pedal and when you start moving, and that can make low-speed driving annoying.

　　When you're going straight, the steering provides good on-center feel. It's a bit inconsistent in turns, though. It can be too quick and the level of power assist can be too high for the size and nature of this vehicle. Other times it can feel resistant to turning. Once you're going around a bend, though, the X7 is thoroughly stable and composed.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the X7? Our test X7 had the available road-scanning system that adjusts the suspension based on what it sees. The system is effective at keeping the ride smooth over bigger bumps, but it struggles on relatively smooth or undulating roads and makes the X7 ride too soft.

　　Inside the cabin, the wide front seatbacks can accommodate a variety of body types. We also like the low levels of wind and road noise. We're less fond of the climate control system. Even when you select the auto setting, you often need to make additional adjustments to the fan intensity and temperature of the dash panel vents. What's the point of auto? You have to continually fiddle with the controls to maintain comfort.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below