“While expensive, the BMW X-7 and the other X-series vehicles are the best value in their class. You get a LOT for your money-styling, performance, fit and finish, service, quality, reliability, image. There is not a car out there that has all of these and it rated #1 in performance and reliability ratings.”
2021 BMW X7: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 BMW X7 is the arrival of the 612-hp ALPINA XB7, a new ultra-luxury performance flagship. BMW also reshuffles the trims and adds more standard comfort and phone-connectivity features.
About the 2021 BMW X7
1st generation X7 (G07, 2019-2022), third model year before the 2023 redesign.
BMW positions the X7 as its full-size luxury SUV for people who need a real third row but still want the brand’s more driver-focused feel. It blends 7 Series-style cabin richness, adult-friendly space in all three rows, strong towing and cargo usefulness, and smoother road manners than many big luxury rivals. Across the lineup, the X7’s core appeal is simple: it is a large family SUV that still feels distinctly like a BMW from behind the wheel.
The xDrive40i remains the core three-row luxury model, with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, air suspension, two 12.3-inch displays, and power-folding rear seats. The 523-hp M50i provides stronger V8 performance, while the new 612-hp ALPINA XB7 combines even more power with Merino leather, rear-wheel steering, and an advanced highway driver-assistance system. The limited Dark Shadow Edition gives the M50i distinctive dark styling and a nearly fully equipped cabin.
What changed, by category
Powertrain and lineup
The 612-hp ALPINA XB7 joins the range as its new flagship, and the limited M50i Dark Shadow Edition also debuts. The xDrive50i is dropped, leaving the xDrive40i, M50i, and V8-powered special models.
Styling
The limited M50i Dark Shadow Edition adds a darker exterior theme and a Night Blue and Black Merino leather cabin with a Night Blue Alcantara headliner.
Tech and comfort
Android Auto becomes standard across the lineup. A heated steering wheel also becomes standard, while the regular xDrive40i and M50i gain standard heated front seats. Remote start becomes standard on the xDrive40i, and the M50i also gains standard heated front armrests.
2021 BMW X7 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | V6, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Sport & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 523 hp | 335 hp | 612 hp | 523 hp |
| Torque | 553 lb-ft | 331 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7500 lb | 7500 lb | 7500 lb | 7500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 48.6 cu-ft | 48.6 cu-ft | 48.6 cu-ft | 48.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 BMW X7?
The biggest change is the new ALPINA XB7. Its 612-hp twin-turbo V8, ALPINA-tuned air suspension, richer interior, and rear-wheel steering make it the new performance and luxury flagship of the 2021 X7 range.
Which BMW X7 trims changed for 2021?
The ALPINA XB7 and limited M50i Dark Shadow Edition join the X7 lineup for 2021, while the xDrive50i is dropped. The xDrive40i and M50i continue with added standard equipment.
Does the 2021 BMW X7 have Android Auto?
Yes. Android Auto becomes standard across the 2021 BMW X7 range, joining wireless Apple CarPlay for easier smartphone integration.
What is the 2021 BMW X7 M50i Dark Shadow Edition?
The Dark Shadow Edition is a limited-run version of the 523-hp X7 M50i. It pairs a dark exterior theme with a Night Blue and Black Merino leather interior, premium audio, massaging and ventilated front seats, and an advanced highway driver-assistance system.
Is the 2021 BMW X7 meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
Yes, mainly in trim selection and standard equipment rather than through a redesign. The 2021 lineup adds the ALPINA XB7 and Dark Shadow Edition, drops the xDrive50i, makes Android Auto and a heated steering wheel standard, and gives the xDrive40i standard remote start.
2021 BMW X7 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 BMW X7.
4.4
2021 BMW X7
(553 reviews)
“If you are looking for more storage room for your vehicle do not purchase the captains chairs options in the second row! They do not go down all the way and you lose storage room! Get the bench seats as they go down all the way!”
“Comfortable to drive and ride as passenger. Very quiet. Superior performance. You will not be disappointed!”