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2021 BMW X7

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

BMW X7
Pictured: BMW G07 1X7A1696. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
M50i 4dr SUV, Xdrive40i 4dr SUV
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Horsepower
335–612 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
Length
203.1 in
Curb weight
5,379–5,673 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 612 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2021 models.
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 BMW X7 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 203 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,673 lb (M50i 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 12% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2021

  • New hybrid version

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 X7 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine335 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine523–612 hp4.4L 8-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

xDrive40iM50i

Safety & driver-assist features

Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Greer, South Carolina

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2021 X7 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
M50i 4dr SUV203.1 in78.7 in71.3 in122 in66.1 / 66.9 in5,673 lb51/49
Xdrive40i 4dr SUV203.1 in78.7 in71.3 in122 in66.1 / 66.9 in5,379 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
X7 xDrive40i Hybrid3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+12%$3,900412
X7 M50i4.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-10%$4,850514
Alpina XB74.4L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-10%$4,850514
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 BMW X7.

Similar 2021 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 BMW X7 (this car)21 MPGNot rated9
2021 Porsche Cayenne21 MPGNot rated7
2021 BMW X523 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Audi Q721 MPGNot rated9
2021 Tesla Model X371 miNot rated24
2021 Land Rover Discovery21 MPGNot rated6
2021 Lexus LX14 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (9)

Seats · Sep 7, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V670000 · 246 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i, X7 Drive50i, X7 M50i vehicles with third-row seats. One or more of the compression springs that lock the backrest may not have been installed properly, and could dislodge or detach.
Risk
In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the third-row seat and, if necessary, remove and reinstall improperly installed compression springs, and reinstall any missing springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Apr 20, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V267000 · 61,221 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk
A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Head Restraint · Mar 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V156000 · 258 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Feb 19, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V096000 · 13,858 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic · Feb 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V062000 · 893 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Risk
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Column · Jan 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V031000 · 21 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.
Risk
A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Dec 9, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V761000 · 812 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Risk
Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Sep 1, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V528000 · 307 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Aug 27, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V514000 · 397 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 BMW X7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

47Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
79,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine11
Power Train11
Electrical System8
Unknown Or Other5
Seats5
Steering5
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/11: 122/12: 223/08: 124/01: 224/02: 124/03: 224/06: 124/11: 124/12: 125/01: 125/03: 125/07: 125/08: 225/10: 225/11: 226/01: 226/02: 226/03: 126/04: 126/05: 226/06: 326/07: 326/08: 526/09: 322/1124/0124/0625/0125/0826/0126/0426/07max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 BMW X7 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 BMW X7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other X7 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 X722–Not rated00
2026 X723203.5 inNot rated27
2025 X722203.5 inNot rated429
2024 X722203.5 inNot rated762
2023 X722203.5 inNot rated844
2022 X721203.1 inNot rated220
2020 X722203.1 inNot rated1256
2019 X722203.1 inNot rated1148

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →