2020 BMW X7 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If you are looking for a large SUV (or, as BMW calls it, an SAV for 'sports activity vehicle'), then you might want to look into the 2020 BMW X7. The X7 only debuted last year but has already received a lot of praise. This year, with the addition of the high-performing M50i, there is even more to talk about.

The M50i is a really cool addition to the line-up, to be sure, but the other two trim levels have a lot to offer as well. You just have to bear in mind that they are pretty pricey, which is probably the biggest drawback to the BMW X7. It also seems like some of the controls do not work as expected, and the climate controls can be pretty confusing.

But if you can swing it financially and don't mind spending extra time figuring out the controls, the 2020 BMW X7 offers quite a few different things on each trim level that you are sure to enjoy, the most obvious being their deep sense of luxury. You also get the benefit of having a lot of power from the engine, and the ride quality is exceptionally pleasant.

That being said, to know what you might be getting yourself into, read through this trim level comparison review. We will go over what specs and features can be found on each of the X7's three trim levels. In the end, we will let you know which trim level we think presents the best overall deal to the average BMW buyer.

Compare the 2020 BMW X7 xDrive40i vs xDrive50i. What is the difference?

The 2020 BMW X7's base trim is known as the xDrive40i. This trim level is powered by a standard 3.0-L inline-6 twin turbo engine that musters up 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The engine gets paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that has manual and sport modes. This helps the xDrive40i get from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The vehicle gets 22 mpg combined with 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Other mechanical features found on this trim level include driving dynamics (with COMFORT, ECO PRO, and SPORT modes), hill descent control, electric power steering, and Servotronic power steering assist. Also, since this is an xDrive, that means it has standard all-wheel drive.

The xDrive50i ups the ante with a 4.4-L BMW twin turbo V8 engine that gets 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. This trim level gets up to speed in just 5.2 seconds and has a combined 17 mpg (with 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway).

This is a luxury SUV, so you should expect to find a lot of chic details inside and out. On the outside, the xDrive40i and the xDrive50i both come in multiple choices of both metallic and non-metallic paint options. These trim levels ride atop 21-inch Y spoke alloy wheels that come with all-season tires. There are roof rails done in satin aluminum, and the exterior trim is also done in satin aluminum. There is a center brake light with the roof spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, and power-folding side mirrors that have a heating function.

On the inside, luxury also abounds. The xDrive40i gets treated to sleek SensaTec upholstery while the xDrive50i is upgraded to some seriously comfortable and beautiful Vernasca leather. Throughout all three rows, you will see high-gloss wooden trim done in a beautiful fineline striped brown hue. Even the cargo area looks luxurious with its cargo cover and velour cargo carpeting. Floor mats are distributed throughout the cabin, and the trunk has a remote release that makes it quick and easy for you to access the cargo area.

In terms of connectivity, the xDrive40i and the xDrive50i are both pretty well loaded with features. They each come with enhanced smartphone connectivity (although smartphone app integration is only available with Apple CarPlay, not Android Auto) and WiFi hot spot connectivity with a 3 GB/3-month trial. Other standard features include BMW Connected Drive services, the Connected Package Professional (which includes hazard preview, remote door unlocking, navigation, and the BMW Connected App), and BMW TeleServices.

Also, both trim levels come with an anti-theft AM/FM stereo system, pre-wiring for a CD player, a 10-speaker HiFi Sound System with a 205-watt digital amplifier, HD Radio, and a one-year all-access trial to SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Both are also equipped with a good array of standard instrumentation features and controls. There is a three-spoke steering wheel that is wrapped in leather, a display that shows the outside temperature, dynamic cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, speed limit data, and rear window defrost. Live Cockpit Professional gives you two 12.3-inch displays (one for the digital gauge cluster and one for the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system), two USB ports, and 32 GB of multimedia storage. To that, the xDrive50i adds an expanded check control vehicle monitoring system.

When it comes to creature comforts, expect to find a ton of them on each trim. The xDrive40i has engine start/stop, 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats with 2-way power side bolsters and 4-way lumbar support, Advanced Vehicle and Key Memory (which stores the most recently used settings for things like audio, climate control, and lighting), a panoramic moonroof with power interior sunshades, one-touch up/down power windows, 4-zone automatic climate control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. It also has a power tailgate, a USB-C port on the front center console, 3-stage heating on the front seatsm a locking glove box, wireless charging, and HomeLink. Additionally, the BMW Extended Ambient Lighting bundle gives you lighting on the door handles, vanity mirrors, front footwells, front and rear reading lights, and 12 predefined selectable interior lighting designs. The xDrive50i swaps in 20-way power front seats with contouring, soft close doors, and the Travel and Comfort System (which has a multifunctional bracket that supports BMW accessories. Also, a USB-C port get added to the backrest of each front seat.

Safety features, of course, come in droves on these vehicles. Both trim levels are equipped with a rear-view camera, adaptive LED headlights and brake lights, LED fog lights, programmable LED daytime running lights, and automatic high beams. There is an Active Protection System that prepares the vehicle and its occupants for an impending collision, and there is a sensor that will detect a potential rollover and help steady the vehicle. Active Driving Assist also comes equipped and has daytime pedestrian detection, front collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and active blind spot monitoring. BMW Assist eCall will put out an SOS and help you make a call in case of an emergency. On top of all that, the xDrive50i adds the Parking Assistant Plus package with surround-view cameras and active parking distance control.

Compare the 2020 BMW X7 xDrive50i vs M50i Trims. What is the difference?

The 2020 BMW X7's line-topping trim, the M50i, is in a league of its own when it comes to power. It is powered by a 4.4-L BMW M Performance twin-turbo V8 engine and gets 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. This helps get the M50i up to speed in just 4.5 seconds, which is a decent time for this segment. Even though you are getting more power than what the xDrive50i's engine offers, the fuel economy remains the same. The M50i is rounded out by special 'M Sport' mechanics: an M Sport differential, M Sport exhaust, and M Sport brakes.

On the outside there are some noticeable differences as well. The most obvious difference is the set of 22-inch M V Spoke cerium grey wheels with performance tires equipped. There are also roof rails done in high gloss shadowline, cerium grey exhaust tips, and shadowline exterior trim. Other than that, though, you will find that all three trim levels have a relatively uniform outer appearance.

The inside does get a few upgrades as well. There is an anthracite Alcantara headliner, and the cabin has gorgeous fineline black wood trim throughout. The rear side windows get treated to roller sunblinds.

There are a few safety upgrades that come along with the M50i as well. This trim level gets iconic adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight technology built in. There is also a feature called drive recorder which lets you record and go back through the data of your drive. Other than that, though, the M50i is loaded with all the other helpful safety features that the other two trim levels possess.

Which Trim to Choose?

The 2020 BMW X7 has three trim levels that are all solid choices if you are looking to spend serious money on a new third-row luxury SUV. Although the X7 is only in its second model year, it already has a lot of BMW's signature reliability and sophistication. Sure, the price tags are higher than some of its competitors, but you get a lot for the price. You can't go wrong with any of the engine options, as they all provide an ample amount of power to this massive SUV. And the ride quality is absolutely delightful.

But there is one trim level that tends to stand out above the rest as the trim level to buy - one that presents the average luxury SUV buyer with the best overall deal. So, which trim level takes the top spot?

That honor goes to the middle trim, the xDrive50i. This trim level has a nice balance of power and prestige, dealing out more than enough standard features to make it worth its price tag. The 4.4-L engine gives the vehicle more than enough power and gets the vehicle going at highway speed in almost no time at all. The number of standard safety features is really impressive too. Getting the Parking Assistant Plus package as standard equipment really makes things more enjoyable for drivers wanting the 360-degree surround-view cameras.

While the xDrive40i is a decent base trim, if you are going to spend a lot of money on a luxury SUV, you might want to just go right for the middle trim. The xDrive40i is a bit slower than its bigger siblings since its engine is smaller, and even though it isn't exactly underpowered, the upgrade to the xDrive50i is not a massive price jump and will be pretty enticing.

Of course, the new M50i is an attractive choice too, but it is best left for those who have almost no budget limitations. It does not give enough major upgrades to justify the extra cost. The amount of power its engine delivers feels nice enough, but it also isn't the massive difference that you might find on some of the X7's competitors. Sticking with the xDrive50i is the way to go given how many good things you get for the price.