Ever since the first generation of the BMW X7 launched back in 2018, it has received praise due to the impressive personal limo experience it provides in the SUV form. Considered one of the ultimate luxury SUVs out there, the BMW X7 ticked all the right boxes if you are looking for something that can travel many miles while offering ultimate comfort and luxury. With the launch of the 2022 iteration, BMW has provided minor changes to the packages, making them slightly better on multiple fronts.

The BMW X7 M50i has always struck the chord between luxury and performance, mainly due to the superb twin-turbo V8 motor under the hood, coupled with all the features and luxury of the regular X7. Coming in at a base MSRP of $99,800, the X7 M50i gets a few changes to the cabin features and the optional package lists from the older 2021 model. It gets power sunshades for the second row as well. Competing with the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator Black Label, here are 10 things you need to know before buying the 2022 BMW X7 M50i.

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10 Smooth Ride Quality

BMW X7 M50i front third quarter accelerating view
Via: Press.bmwgroup.com

Even though the 2022 BMW X7 M50i is the sportier version of the X7 xDrive40i, BMW has made sure that the ride quality doesn't get bogged down in the name of performance and handling. As a result, the X7 M50i rides as well as the regular model, making it a comfortable highway cruiser and city commuter.

BMW X7 M50i side view
Via: Press.bmwgroup.com

Even when you are doing mild off-road trails, the bumps and potholes are filtered out with ease when the suspension is set to comfort mode. The highway road manners are perfect and there is no floatiness to the ride even during the occasional three-digit speeds, and city driving is comfortable too. All of these can be attributed to the well-tuned air suspension and the independent front and rear setup.

9 Unmatched Refinement Level

BMW X7
Via cnet.com

The refinement level has always been top-notch for all the trims of the BMW X7, and that same ethos is carried forward to this 2022 iteration of the M50i as well. The twin-turbo V8 motor is one of the smoothest V8's out there, and the engine note higher up the rev range is sweet. The excellent sound deadening helps in filtering out the sounds well.

BMW-X7
Via BMW-Nigeria

We were also very surprised with the lack of any major tire noise, even with the massive 22" tires that are low profile as well. In comparison, the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator Black Label did emit more tire noise. The wind noise and other external noises are filtered very well too.

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8 Powerful Twin-Turbo V8 Motor

The 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Rear image
Via BMW

The 2022 BMW X7 M50i comes with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 motor producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The power is put down through an 8-speed ZF torque converter automatic transmission and xDrive AWD drivetrain. The 0-60 mph comes in just 4.5 seconds, and this SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 5,950 lbs. This twin-turbo motor feels very powerful and is a step above what the Cadillac Escalade offers with its naturally aspirated V8.

BMW-X7-60i

The low-end and mid-range performance is enticing and a slight tap on the gas pedal is all that is needed for a quick overtake. The 8-speed automatic is perfectly tuned, and the multiple driving modes mean that you could have a blast in the sport mode or a comfortable cruising experience in the normal mode. The refinement level is excellent, and the SUV sounds beautiful too.

7 Traditional BMW Exterior Design

caranddriver.com

The exterior styling of the 2022 BMW X7 M50i sees no changes from the 2021 model. The front end gets the sharp BMW laser headlights with integrated LED DRLs, functional air vents on both the corners of the bumper and the satin steel finish looks very opulent. The dual kidney grille rounds off the design well, and it doesn't look very quirky like the all-new BMW 7 Series.

BMW X7 Costs, Facts and Figures
Via: BMW Media

As you go around to the side, you are definitely going to notice the massive 22" machined aluminum wheels with the beautiful blue calipers with the M badge. We also admire the sharp character lines and one of the highest length and wheelbase of the segment. The rear end gets LED taillights, 315-section tires, and a dual exhaust outlet. There are multiple customization options as well.

6 Not The Most Spacious

BMW X7 Costs, Facts and Figures
Via BMW

Being a 7-seater luxury SUV, you are not going to be disappointed with the space in the first and second rows of the 2022 BMW X7 M50i. There is ample amount of headroom and legroom for both the rows and the multiple cubbyholes, a wide armrest, supple leather seats which are heated, cooled, and ventilated, and multiple AC vents improve the traveling comfort very well.

BMW X7 Costs Facts and Figures
BMW

However, the third row is going to disappoint many prospective buyers due to the mediocre 36.6" of headroom and 33.3" of legroom, both of which are the worst of the segment. As a result, even the kids would find it cramped during those long road trips. The lack of under-thigh support and mediocre lower back support are the other cons of this third row. Even the cargo capacity of 12.8 cu ft with all the rows up wasn't very compelling in this price segment.

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5 Beautiful Interior

BMW-X7 Interior
Via: NetCarShow

You would expect a luxurious interior in a full-size luxury SUV that costs close to $100,000, and the 2022 BMW X7 M50i doesn't disappoint one bit. We loved the dark tan with the black color combination of the cabin coupled with the leather with contrast stitching on the door cards, dashboard, and seats.

BMW X7

The seats get all the features like massage, heat, ventilation, and cooling. Both the driver and passenger seats have memory support too. Coming back to the design, the cabin feels airy, and the panoramic sunroof accentuates the cabin design well. Multiple trims like wood and aluminum and eight different upholstery colors can be chosen from the optional list.

4 Fully-Loaded Infotainment System

BMW X7 Costs, Facts and Figures
Via: BMW

The 2022 BMW X7 M50i comes with a 12.3" touchscreen iDrive infotainment system as standard and is one of the best in the segment in terms of features and interface. The display is bright, vivid, and has all the other features like hand gesture control and steering mounted controls, making it extremely easy to use on the move.

BMW X7 on the highway
Via autoexpress.co.uk

We also loved the fully digital gauge cluster, which also comes with all the qualities of the infotainment system. The features like Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (wireless), navigation, SiriusXM radio, voice recognition, and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity are standard. The powerful Harman Kardon audio system is an optional extra, and that makes the audio experience class-leading.

3 All The Driver-Assistance Features Are Onboard

BMW X7 M50i rear third quarter view
Via: Press.bmwgroup.com

Being a premium full-size SUV, all the safety and driver-assistance features are expected at this price point. Fortunately, BMW hasn't cheaper out in this regard. All the features like forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning are standard for the M50i trim.

BMW X7 M50i rear third quarter accelerating view
Via: Press.bmwgroup.com

We also loved the crisp visuals provided by the 360-degree aerial camera, and you can even take control of the camera by accessing the highly intuitive infotainment system. Like any German SUV, the build quality is solid and feels tough as a nail. Even though this SUV hasn't been crash-tested by the NHTSA and IIHS yet, we expect it to score well when tested.

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2 The Brakes Are Superb

Photo by: Charles North VI

Braking of the 2022 BMW X7 M50i is handled by 4-wheel disc brakes with front and rear ventilated rotors and a long list of other standard braking features like ABS with EBD, brake assist, hill descent control, hill hold control, and electric parking brake. As a result, the braking performance turned out to be excellent.

2022 BMW X7 On The Road
Via: BMW USA

We find the initial bite and braking progression to be the best of the segment. The brake pedal doesn't feel wooden like that of the Navigator, and the front-end dive was the least we have encountered under hard braking. The brake fade is minimal, too.

1 V8 Motor Doesn't Offer Great Fuel Efficiency

2021 BMW X7
Via BMW Blog

Fuel efficiency is not going to be the most important aspect when looking for an SUV from the performance luxury full-size segment, and the 2022 BMW X7 M50i turned out to be a letdown as expected. Coming with a V8 motor coupled with the lack of any hybrid assist means that you are only going to see 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway.

2021 BMW X7
Via-BMW Blog

The combined gas mileage of 17 MPG is nothing much to talk about, especially when compared to the rivals. The competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Audi Q7 offered a slightly superior combined gas mileage of 20 MPG. With a 21.9-gallon fuel tank capacity, the X7 M50i had the worst highway tank range of 459 miles. This means that you would need to fill up more frequently during those cross-country road trips.