BMW X7 M50i One-Year Review: Living with the Luxury SUV

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since embarking on the Performance Center Delivery (PCD) of my 2021 BMW X7 M50i and the subsequent cross-continent road trip adventure back to Alaska. Reflecting on the past year and over 13,400 miles, with a significant portion dedicated to long road journeys, it’s time for an in-depth review of living with BMW’s flagship SUV.

My X7 M50i arrived fully loaded, ordered early in 2021 before supply chain issues impacted feature availability. The only unavailable options were Ambient Air, Night Vision, and Full Merino Leather in black. This review will delve into the ownership experience, highlighting both the triumphs and minor tribulations encountered over the last year.

Initial Impressions and Configuration

Picking up the X7 M50i via PCD was a memorable experience, setting the stage for an epic journey. Opting for the M50i trim meant embracing performance alongside luxury, a decision that has proven rewarding. Securing a fully loaded model before feature restrictions became widespread was fortunate, ensuring access to a comprehensive suite of BMW’s technology and comfort features.

Mileage and Overall Satisfaction

Clocking over 13,400 miles in the first year, significantly higher than my typical annual mileage, speaks volumes about the X7’s road trip capabilities and my enjoyment of driving it. The overwhelming sentiment after a year of ownership is immense satisfaction. The BMW X7 M50i has proven to be an exceptional vehicle, seamlessly blending luxury, performance, and practicality. It stands out as the best all-around vehicle I have ever owned, exceeding expectations in numerous aspects.

Minor Issues Encountered

While the overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive, a few minor issues surfaced during the first year. It’s important to note these were relatively minor and addressed effectively:

1. Sunroof Crack: A spontaneous sunroof crack occurred while cruising. This incident, documented in my road trip thread, was an unexpected event.
2. Keyed Door: Unfortunately, vandalism resulted in a keyed car door during a stop in Yosemite. This was unrelated to the vehicle itself but a frustrating incident.
3. Cargo Cover Cap Clip: A retention clip on a small plastic cap for the rear cargo cover port broke and required replacement.
4. Suspension Warning: A suspension adjustment warning briefly illuminated after encountering a significant pothole during an Arctic Circle trip. The dealer cleared the code, and no further issues arose.
5. Seat Creaking: Minor driver’s seat creaking developed after a couple of months. A dealer adjustment to a bracket resolved this.
6. Garage Door Opener Incompatibility: Despite efforts, programming the garage door openers to the X7 buttons remains unsuccessful.
7. Voice Control Music Search: Ongoing issues persist with voice control for music search from a hard drive, indicating incomplete setup.

These minor issues are typical of vehicle ownership and were generally resolved without significant inconvenience. They do not detract from the overall positive impression of the BMW X7 M50i’s reliability and build quality.

Key Ownership Highlights

Beyond the minor issues, numerous aspects of the X7 M50i ownership experience have been exceptional:

• Ceramic Coating and PPF: Investing in ceramic coating and particularly Paint Protection Film (PPF) has been invaluable. Despite encountering road debris, the paint remains in perfect condition, with only minimal, barely noticeable rock chips. The PPF has demonstrably protected the finish, making it a worthwhile investment for preserving the vehicle’s aesthetics. Expanding PPF coverage would be considered if done again.
• Mud Flaps: A surprisingly impactful and affordable modification, mud flaps have proven incredibly practical. They significantly reduce road splash and kick-up, especially in wet and slushy conditions, keeping the vehicle cleaner.
• Coding: Vehicle coding unlocks hidden potential and enhances functionality. Anti-dazzle headlights, a crucial safety feature for rural driving, and Auto Start/Stop (AS/S) control are particularly beneficial enhancements.
• Adjustable Suspension Height: The adjustable air suspension is a standout feature, proving highly versatile. For individuals with mobility challenges, it aids ingress and egress. It also simplifies cargo loading and even allows for height adjustments to navigate drive-through windows or clear snow piles. A highly desired feature request is automatic adjustment to a preset entry height upon ignition switch-off.
• Seating Controls and Captain’s Chairs: While the various seating controls throughout the car are not intuitive and second-row seat operation is slow, the captain’s chairs are comfortable and suit personal needs as the third row is rarely used. However, captain’s chairs that could fold down would enhance cargo versatility.
• Performance Center Delivery (PCD): The PCD experience is highly recommended and unforgettable. It elevates the purchase experience and creates lasting memories.
• Winter Wheel and Tire Set: A dedicated winter wheel and tire set significantly enhances winter driving performance and safety. While wheel swaps are cumbersome, the benefits in winter conditions are undeniable.
• Bowers & Wilkins Audio: The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system is phenomenal, especially when paired with high-resolution audio files streamed from a hard drive, delivering an immersive audio experience.
• Heads-Up Display (HUD): The Heads-Up Display remains a favored feature, providing essential driving information directly in the line of sight, enhancing safety and convenience.
• Driver Assistance Features: Automation assistance features like “Auto Hold” are frequently used and appreciated. Enhanced Traffic Jam Assistant is valuable in congested traffic, although less frequently utilized in less traffic-heavy areas.
• Heated/Cooled Cupholders: Heated and cooled cupholders are a practical luxury, maintaining beverage temperature for extended periods. Cleaning spills can be slightly challenging.
• Massage Seats: Massage seats are a welcome comfort on longer drives, providing relief and reducing fatigue.
• All-Weather Mats: All-weather floor mats are exceptionally practical, easy to clean, and protect the interior from the elements, maintaining a pristine cabin.
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: While OTA software updates have been received, map updates have not, leaving map data outdated.
• Key Battery and Door Handle Issue: Despite replacing key batteries, an intermittent issue persists where brushing the ribbed door handle area can inadvertently lock the doors, causing momentary inconvenience.
• Unused Features: Auto-park, auto-reverse, and Hill Descent Control, while technologically impressive, have not been utilized, as personal driving skills suffice for these situations.
• Center Console Storage: A dedicated tray or holder on the center console would be beneficial for small items like sunglasses or receipts, as cupholder space is often occupied.
• Adaptive Driving Modes and DHP: Adaptive driving mode, Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), predictive driving, and four-wheel steering contribute to the X7’s dynamic and responsive driving characteristics.
• Windshield Wipers: Windshield wipers could be more robust, especially in heavy snow and freezing conditions. Heated wipers would be a valuable addition for cold climates to prevent ice buildup.

High gasoline prices at a gas station in California in March 2022, a concern for BMW X7 M50i and other premium vehicle owners.

The rising cost of fuel is a noticeable change over the past year, as highlighted by comparing fuel prices from a 2021 road trip stop in Oklahoma City to a 2022 stop in California. This serves as a reminder of fluctuating fuel costs, particularly relevant for premium vehicle owners.

Conclusion

The BMW X7 M50i has proven to be a resounding success, living up to its flagship status. After a year of ownership, including extensive road trips and diverse driving conditions, it has held up remarkably well. Minor issues have been easily addressed, and the overall experience remains overwhelmingly positive. The X7 M50i is a true “home-run” for BMW, deserving of its “Godfather” status in the lineup. This is a vehicle intended for long-term ownership and is envisioned as the last car to ever be driven, a testament to its enduring appeal and exceptional qualities.