[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by jtrichards

I really liked the ride of the vehicle, and coming from a GL550 I was used to some decent power and comfort in an SUV.

I too came from a GLS 550 (and two GL 550's before that) and had a GLE 450 on order for 7 months before bailing on it and buying our X7 50i. I enjoyed all three GL/GLS's but this X7 is special in so many ways.

Originally Posted by jtrichards

Recently my Benz dealer messaged me to come check out the new 2020 GLS580 and see what I thought. It is nice, but in my opinion not quite the same machine as the X7. That roar from the M50i exhaust is addictive. The blue and white leather seating is just downright sweet.

Our local MB dealer just got a loaded GLS 580 and I gave it a walk-around but no test drive. It's kind of a plain vanilla looking design compared to the X7 but to each his own. We love our X7 and will likely order a M50i soon.

[MB21]

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

I know engine choices are a very personal thing but I wanted to share my thoughts on these two engine choices. We own a 2019 50i and I've driven several 40i's, most recently yesterday when I took our X7 into the shop for a state inspection and they gave me a 40i as a loaner. The inline six is smooth and quiet and can propel the X7 very nicely. And I originally wanted the inline six but the dealership made us an offer we couldn't refuse on the 50i so here we are. But after a year with the V8, driving the inline six just doesn't feel right to me. I feel I have to mash the pedal and spin up the turbos to get it moving from a stop. Our V8 takes off like a powerhouse spaceship. You get use to that and when it's not there you miss it. Out on the highway is where its most obvious. Passing slow moving traffic in the V8 is glorious. The downside is the poor fuel economy. That is where you pay the piper. But we own our cars and can afford the gas so after several test drives I'm confident our next X7 will be the M50i.

What's your take? And remember, there's no need to criticizes another persons opinion. If you can afford a X7 you have just as much right as the next owner to state your views.

I love the X7M50i and every time I get loaner and I did few times due to some small issues I felt like the car is missing something as loaner are 40i versions.

[toddwalton]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

And that's a key point. Remember, that even many Ferraris and Lambourghinis that we considered in the 1970 and 1980's to be "supercars" only had 200-370 hp. Our view of power "needs" nowadays is quite skewed.

Good point.

I have no negative view of 50i owners whatsoever, but it's important to point out to those who pass through this thread considering an X7 that the power of the 40i is massive for a car this big and the thing just flies.

As a dad whose priorities are 6+ passenger seating, luxury, safety, and technology, its great to know that performance isn't compromised whatsoever with the standard engine. Some BMW's require the larger engine to be a worthwhile driving experience. The X7 is not one of those vehicles.

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Good point.

I have no negative view of 50i owners whatsoever, but it's important to point out to those who pass through this thread considering an X7 that the power of the 40i is massive for a car this big and the thing just flies.

As a dad whose priorities are 6+ passenger seating, luxury, safety, and technology, its great to know that performance isn't compromised whatsoever with the standard engine. Some BMW's require the larger engine to be a worthwhile driving experience. The X7 is not one of those vehicles.

I couldn't agree more. I was completely content with the 40i and then switched our order to a M50i at the last minute. An indulgent decision for sure!

[LittleJoe]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

Good point.

I have no negative view of 50i owners whatsoever, but it's important to point out to those who pass through this thread considering an X7 that the power of the 40i is massive for a car this big and the thing just flies.

As a dad whose priorities are 6+ passenger seating, luxury, safety, and technology, its great to know that performance isn't compromised whatsoever with the standard engine. Some BMW's require the larger engine to be a worthwhile driving experience. The X7 is not one of those vehicles.

As they say, beauty (and power) is in the eye of the beholder. It's likely not noticeable to 40i owners but when you own the 50i, drive a loaner for a day or two, then experience the power of the V-8, it's very apparent to me. As I've posted many times before, I originally wanted the inline-6 40i but got a deal on the 50i I couldn't pass up. So now I'm spoiled and will stay with the V-8 in the future.

To each his own, if 40i works for your needs and your happy, who is to say otherwise. But the same is true for those who seek the power of the V-8. Live and live.

PS Hope everybody is staying safe.

[HarryNal]

I'm acutely have a M550I on swap a lease I'm hoping someone takes it looking to get the
X7 M50I or X7 40 fully loaded I need the M sport I love having the power but how fast do I really wanna go in that truck I've topped my M550 out a few times I feel like I need to slow down but I love having that power fml

I have a standard 2 car garage I hope it fits

[Bogey4me]

My wife chose the 40i, despite my persistence that she should get the V8. I had a 2015 X5 50i and a 2017 X5M. But after a year I think she made the right move. It's more comfortable to drive, way less jerky than my 50i. I say jerky but mean torquey. However, my wife wanted a smith riding and driving for all passengers car. For that then X7 40i delivers while still having plenty of power to pass when you mash the pedal. However, if I bought one for me, I'd get the M50i and sacrifice a little smoothness for the torque and I just want the biggest engine because I've never grown up when it comes to cars. There's an X7 for everyone, up to you!

[MB21]

Originally Posted by LittleJoe

I know engine choices are a very personal thing but I wanted to share my thoughts on these two engine choices. We own a 2019 50i and I've driven several 40i's, most recently yesterday when I took our X7 into the shop for a state inspection and they gave me a 40i as a loaner. The inline six is smooth and quiet and can propel the X7 very nicely. And I originally wanted the inline six but the dealership made us an offer we couldn't refuse on the 50i so here we are. But after a year with the V8, driving the inline six just doesn't feel right to me. I feel I have to mash the pedal and spin up the turbos to get it moving from a stop. Our V8 takes off like a powerhouse spaceship. You get use to that and when it's not there you miss it. Out on the highway is where its most obvious. Passing slow moving traffic in the V8 is glorious. The downside is the poor fuel economy. That is where you pay the piper. But we own our cars and can afford the gas so after several test drives I'm confident our next X7 will be the M50i.

What's your take? And remember, there's no need to criticizes another persons opinion. If you can afford a X7 you have just as much right as the next owner to state your views.

100% agree, I originally ordered 50i but then I was notified that dashboards are missing and I need to reorder, so it was right in July when presale of M50i started, and I ordered exactly same things but as M50i and to my surprise it was $300 less 😱. Why because a lot of options are already included in the base price of M50i and other options are cheaper. So at the end if you plan to buy 50i with options you might be better of not only power wise but also $$$ wise with higher trim.

Speaking of power, I was impressed with 50i and M50i is another level you definitely can feel the difference, then when I get loaner from dealer I think I am towing something or what as it feels underpowered.
However I agree when you start with 40i it really feels impressive how the car moves.

[jcarlilesiu]

I tow a camper with mine so wanted the V8 power, otherwise the i6 is plenty.

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by Bogey4me

My wife chose the 40i, despite my persistence that she should get the V8. I had a 2015 X5 50i and a 2017 X5M. But after a year I think she made the right move. It's more comfortable to drive, way less jerky than my 50i. I say jerky but mean torquey. However, my wife wanted a smith riding and driving for all passengers car. For that then X7 40i delivers while still having plenty of power to pass when you mash the pedal. However, if I bought one for me, I'd get the M50i and sacrifice a little smoothness for the torque and I just want the biggest engine because I've never grown up when it comes to cars. There's an X7 for everyone, up to you!

Just wanted to add for people considering both engines that the M50i is incredibly comfortable and smooth in all modes. In comfort mode, there is zero jerk or torquey feel to me.

[760Lifan]

Originally Posted by Wanderer73

Just wanted to add for people considering both engines that the M50i is incredibly comfortable and smooth in all modes. In comfort mode, there is zero jerk or torquey feel to me.

I can confirm this!

[iconoclast]

Same here and that being said 50i M-Sport as well.

[MB21]

Originally Posted by 760Lifan

I can confirm this!

Agreed

[Eternalthinker]

I opted for the 4.0 because it is for the wife and the kids. For speed I have other cars.....my wife doesn't like fast cars anyway.

[Resjudicata]

there is no question the v8 is better. guys like jmciver might disagree, but the torque of the 550+ v8 is insane from a red light or any stop and go.

[LittleJoe]

There is no right or wrong engine choice. Just personal preference and/or needs.

[iconoclast]

yes and no. a large heavy people carrier needs a properly matched motor. back in the day when the 4L Q7 debuted it was offered with 3.6L and 4.2L. the mpg difference was 1mpg between the too because the vehicle was grossly underpowered. add passengers and cargo and it was working harder and yielding less mpg. in this case that is the wrong motor. i had a 40i X7 loaner for a week and there was negligible difference in fuel savings but noticeable difference in engine noise, drivability and feedback. i was driving alone. if it was loaded up full of people and cargo i suspect any reason to opt for the 6cyl would probably be negated in addition to being locked out of some options which are not available on a 40i except for price point. that is always a valid reason and having a $20-30k difference in asking price between the 6cyl and either 8cyl is very valid. That being said as you and others stated it really is a matter of preference, application and objectie. IMO. YMMV.

[FreeDarko]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

yes and no. a large heavy people carrier needs a properly matched motor. back in the day when the 4L Q7 debuted it was offered with 3.6L and 4.2L. the mpg difference was 1mpg between the too because the vehicle was grossly underpowered. add passengers and cargo and it was working harder and yielding less mpg. in this case that is the wrong motor. i had a 40i X7 loaner for a week and there was negligible difference in fuel savings but noticeable difference in engine noise, drivability and feedback. i was driving alone. if it was loaded up full of people and cargo i suspect any reason to opt for the 6cyl would probably be negated in addition to being locked out of some options which are not available on a 40i except for price point. that is always a valid reason and having a $20-30k difference in asking price between the 6cyl and either 8cyl is very valid. That being said as you and others stated it really is a matter of preference, application and objectie. IMO. YMMV.

Can you or someone advise the real world difference in MPG between the 2 (40i & m50i)?

[thenew3]

Originally Posted by FreeDarko

Can you or someone advise the real world difference in MPG between the 2 (40i & m50i)?

Small sample size

Very small sample size but it sees to show about 4-5 mpg difference which correlates with epa estimates.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by FreeDarko

Can you or someone advise the real world difference in MPG between the 2 (40i & m50i)?

Between the 40i loaner I had and my own vehicle the combined average for the 40i was approximately 21mpg. The 50i was roughly 19mpg. 2mpg isn't exactly a monumental amount of savings that is going to get me to the promise land of early retirement.

[Wanderer73]

I've got a M50i and 75% of my daily driving is in the city. I'm averaging about 16mpg (I tend to drive in sport mode). On a trip from the east coast to Denver, I was in comfort most of the time and averaged about 20mpg.

[mitch57]

Originally Posted by Wanderer73

I've got a M50i and 75% of my daily driving is in the city. I'm averaging about 16mpg (I tend to drive in sport mode). On a trip from the east coast to Denver, I was in comfort most of the time and averaged about 20mpg.

That's about 4.5mpg less than I get on my 40i. Mixed driving around town and highway is about 24.5mpg average as reported by the in car computer. Freeway driving at an average of 80 MPH I get around 25mpg. Driving aggressively around town and some side roads I average about 21.5mpg.