What Are The Best Years For The BMW X7? (Explained!)

With max towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, plenty of space in the cabin, and 90.4 cubic inches of cargo space, the BMW X7 is certainly a capable people- and cargo-hauler.

This full-size luxury SUV has only been around since the 2019 model year, but it is already a well-liked vehicle. Out of the three available model years, one stands out above the rest: the 2020. 

Why? Simply put, it adds the M50i model and offers an optional off-road package (which is no longer available for 2021).

What Are The Best Years For The BMW X7?

The 2020 BMW X7 line-up offers the most variety and the M50i engine is absolutely worth it for a BMW enthusiast. Being able to get all-wheel drive (AWD) included is another big bonus since you cannot get that as of 2021. 

While the verdict won’t be in for a few years regarding reliability, the X7 overall is showing itself to be a user-friendly full-size luxury SUV.

Aside from the M50i engine and AWD, what else are buyers liking about the 2020 BMW X7? 

Are either the 2019 or 2021 model years worth the while? With rumors of a plug-in hybrid on the horizon for 2022, should you wait it out and buy brand-new next year? Read on to learn all that and more.

Is A BMW X7 Worth Buying?

BMW took their time crafting the X7, and their attention to detail shows. If you are buying the X7, you clearly are not buying something for its massively reduced price tag.

Instead, you are buying it because it offers a balance of power, creature comforts, and spaciousness. For a larger family, it can make for quite the cozy ride.

RepairPal’s estimated annual repair bill for the X7 slides in at $968, which is average for this segment. 

There is only about a 15% probability that a repair will be severe, and trips to the mechanic shop should be infrequent given the newness of these vehicles.

Is the BMW X7 Reliable?

Since the BMW X7 series is so new, we cannot offer much in the way of reliability claims. All we can give you is what current owners are saying about the X7 – that it is one of the best vehicles that they have ever owned.

An owner of the 2020 X7 M50i raves on Edmunds that their X7 turns in a flawless performance. 

There is plenty of power on tap from the M50i (523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, to be more precise), and the cabin remains quiet even when the vehicle is taken up to speed on the highway. 

This particular owner also recommends equipping the Dynamic Handling Package, which boosts the BMW X7’s handling capabilities, and it works well with the integrated active steering at turning the rear wheels to aid in maneuvering. 

All of this makes a massive, full-size SUV feel a lot less bulky. The trade-off? Getting 13 miles per gallon driving around town.

Another owner – this one of a 2020 BMW X7 xDrive40i – praises the 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque that it produces. 

You might not expect this engine to get such a beefy vehicle up and moving, but it does. The transmission delivers it smoothly, too.

One previous owner of an X5 (whose only complaint was that it had electrical issues – a common occurrence in those vehicles) is glad they made the upgrade to the X7. 

The smooth-shifting transmission has easy-to-use paddle shifters that take very little time to adjust to. 

This consumer did note a few downsides, including an awkwardly designed center console, needing to move your hand around the stick to reach the buttons, a sluggish suspension, a lack of vents in the third row (unless you spring for the optional Cold Weather package), and an overly-complex parking assistance system.

Does A BMW X7 Require Premium Gas?

BMW will tell you that premium gas is recommended in their vehicles. However, owners of BMWs will counter that by saying that you can put mid-grade 89 octane or 91 or 93 (both types are premium) in without any issues. 

Those who use 89 octane say that they have not encountered any performance-related problems and feel it is safe to use. 

And, of course, it is the cheaper option. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.

Is A BMW X7 Good in Snow?

Equipping the 2019 or 2020 BMW X7 with the optional all-wheel drive system makes the X7 a lot more secure for wintertime driving. 

Adding the Cold Weather Package adds a touch of comfort, too, with its heated front and rear seats. 

All in all, the X7 has no problem climbing steep grades with loose gravel or dirt, and its suspension and all-wheel drive can handle snow and rain.

Is the BMW X7 a Luxury Vehicle?

Don’t let the lower-than-industry-average price tag fool you – the BMW X7 is every inch a luxury vehicle. ‘

Don’t believe me? Check out its cabin. 

You can get four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. 

What’s more, there are gorgeous ambient interior lights to lend visibility and ambiance. 

The leather seats are breathable and look chic when paired up with the chrome trim along the dash.

The Best BMW X7 Model Years

As of right now, you can only choose between three model years: the 2019, 2020, and 2021. 

2020 might have been an awful year for, well, the entire world, but it was a great one for the BMW X7. 

On this line-up, you could opt for the extra powerful M50i engine as well as optional all-wheel drive. With AWD axed from the 2021 model and the mid-level xDrive50i trim level gone as well, there is a clear loss of variety.

Regardless of model year, you get a vehicle that is incredibly spacious, both in the cabin and in the cargo area. 

You can easily fold the rear seats down and camp out inside of the X7 if you need (or want) to. Getting into the third row can be a bit tricky, but this is pretty much par for the course with any third-row SUV. 

Still, you can comfortably seat a couple of small children back there without any problem.

The X7 is also clearly quite powerful. Whether you stick with the base xDrive40i or take it all the way up to the M50i, you will be treated to a lot of pizzazz. 

For being such a big, hulking vehicle, the X7 feels like a smaller SUV. And it handles just as well. 

Drivers will not feel like they are commandeering a massive boat, and even driving through tight urban spaces is simple enough.

Closing Thoughts

The BMW X7 is all about low hassle, more fun. Although we do not have any reliability ratings in yet, what is obvious is that owners are not experiencing any type of regret. 

In fact, most reviews are encouraging people to join the BMW club and buy an X7. As a more affordable alternative to other top rivals, the X7 checks a lot of boxes for buyers.