[TJD311]

I recently brought my 2019 X7 5.0i in for a problem with the 3rd row seat motor and diagnosing the problem has taken a few days. As such, my local dealer has given me a loaner to drive - a 2020 X7 4.0i. I've had it since Saturday and just thought I would share a few thoughts about the differences I've experienced in case anyone was on the fence between the two...

Prior to my current X7 5.0i (which has the M-Sport pkg) I had a 2017 X5 3.5i which I thoroughly enjoyed as a daily driver. My only regret with that X5 was not getting the V8...prior to that truck I had a 2013 Audi A8L and 2008 Audi S4. So I had been used to driving V8's and the I6 felt a bit different (as it should). So, with the X7, I went back to a V8.

Now that I've been driving this I6 4.0i for a few days, I can honestly say that I still love BMW's I6. This truck drives and feels much like that '17 X5...it "feels" a bit lighter around the corners, the exhaust is a bit quieter on startup (and during driving) and I'm getting better gas mileage. You might be thinking that these are obvious observations, but I drove a 4.0i initially and didn't get these impressions, so having it for a few days has given me some perspective. My 5.0i just feels a bit..."heavier" in all respects. Which makes sense, because it literally IS heavier (duh).

But it goes beyond just gross vehicle weight...the way it handles, takes corners and gets up to speed. It's very quick - quicker than I expected. And while I'm a firm believer in the addage that "there's no replacement when it comes to displacement" as far as engines go, that 4.0i is a nice rig. That said, I still want MY truck back...hurry up BMW, will you?

Just my $0.02.

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by TJD311

I recently brought my 2019 X7 5.0i in for a problem with the 3rd row seat motor and diagnosing the problem has taken a few days. As such, my local dealer has given me a loaner to drive - a 2020 X7 4.0i. I've had it since Saturday and just thought I would share a few thoughts about the differences I've experienced in case anyone was on the fence between the two...

Prior to my current X7 5.0i (which has the M-Sport pkg) I had a 2017 X5 3.5i which I thoroughly enjoyed as a daily driver. My only regret with that X5 was not getting the V8...prior to that truck I had a 2013 Audi A8L and 2008 Audi S4. So I had been used to driving V8's and the V6 felt a bit different (as it should). So, with the X7, I went back to a V8.

Now that I've been driving this V6 4.0i for a few days, I can honestly say that I still love BMW's V6. This truck drives and feels much like that '17 X5...it "feels" a bit lighter around the corners, the exhaust is a bit quieter on startup (and during driving) and I'm getting better gas mileage. You might be thinking that these are obvious observations, but I drove a 4.0i initially and didn't get these impressions, so having it for a few days has given me some perspective. My 5.0i just feels a bit..."heavier" in all respects. Which makes sense, because it literally IS heavier (duh).

But it goes beyond just gross vehicle weight...the way it handles, takes corners and gets up to speed. It's very quick - quicker than I expected. And while I'm a firm believer in the addage that "there's no replacement when it comes to displacement" as far as engines go, that 4.0i is a nice rig. That said, I still want MY truck back...hurry up BMW, will you?

Just my $0.02.

I couldn't agree more. I ordered an M50i (against my better judgement), but had an opportunity to drive the 40i M Sport for an extended period of time. I was genuinely surprised by the power from the V6 given the weight of the X7. I don't recall a situation in the city or on the highway where I didn't feel like I had enough power and acceleration. I don't think you can go wrong with the 40i! ... or the 50i

[Art-CK]

I would agree. 40i would be quick enough for most, however I am switching from an X5M and my other car is M6. Not having that V8 was a deal breaker. I couldn't stand inline 6 in the first X7 I tried. Car was too soft and didn't have M brakes. M50i was a completely different story. Not quite as aggressive as X5M, but very competent and planted in the sport mode. Needless to say, I have M50i on order. I drove Z4 in the past with inline 6 (35i) and it was excellent before I switched to my current X5M.

[bagekko]

There has never been a V6 in a BMW ever. It is an Inline 6.

[TJD311]

Originally Posted by bagekko

There has never been a V6 in a BMW ever. It is an Inline 6.

True - typing too fast. TY for pointing out...corrected...

[TJD311]

Originally Posted by Art-CK

I would agree. 40i would be quick enough for most, however I am switching from an X5M and my other car is M6. Not having that V8 was a deal breaker. I couldn't stand inline 6 in the first X7 I tried. Car was too soft and didn't have M brakes. M50i was a completely different story. Not quite as aggressive as X5M, but very competent and planted in the sport mode. Needless to say, I have M50i on order. I drove Z4 in the past with inline 6 (35i) and it was excellent before I switched to my current X5M.

Interesting. Last July I had my heart set on a lightly used F15 X5M and wasn't even considering looking at an X7. I went away for a week on business and they sold the F15. When I went back in they had the X7 ready for me to drive and I was convinced on getting the X7 for extra room (b/c of kids and 2 70lb German Shorthaired Pointers). Happy I did it, but would have been happy with an X5M...

[760Lifan]

I would have been happy with the 40i as well.

In the end, I said 'heck, you only live once' and considering the monthly payment will only be about $100 higher than on my Audi and I'm not driving that much (with a daily stop & go commute of 50 miles, my decision would have been different), I went 'all in'.

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by TJD311

True - typing too fast. TY for pointing out...corrected...

Join the club ... I certainly know the distinction and typed the same thing

[torment]

it was 20k more here for the M50i model versus the 40i model I bought...didn't have any 50i models available. I drove an X5 M50i and it was VERY fast....comparable to my 2018 M3 CP up to 70 or so. But I ended up with a 40i with M sport brakes and 8% off....very happy getting 21-22mpg. The X7 isn't as sporty to lug around in compared to the X5 I drove.

[Crimsonboz]

Originally Posted by TJD311

I recently brought my 2019 X7 5.0i in for a problem with the 3rd row seat motor and diagnosing the problem has taken a few days. As such, my local dealer has given me a loaner to drive - a 2020 X7 4.0i. I've had it since Saturday and just thought I would share a few thoughts about the differences I've experienced in case anyone was on the fence between the two...

Prior to my current X7 5.0i (which has the M-Sport pkg) I had a 2017 X5 3.5i which I thoroughly enjoyed as a daily driver. My only regret with that X5 was not getting the V8...prior to that truck I had a 2013 Audi A8L and 2008 Audi S4. So I had been used to driving V8's and the I6 felt a bit different (as it should). So, with the X7, I went back to a V8.

Now that I've been driving this I6 4.0i for a few days, I can honestly say that I still love BMW's I6. This truck drives and feels much like that '17 X5...it "feels" a bit lighter around the corners, the exhaust is a bit quieter on startup (and during driving) and I'm getting better gas mileage. You might be thinking that these are obvious observations, but I drove a 4.0i initially and didn't get these impressions, so having it for a few days has given me some perspective. My 5.0i just feels a bit..."heavier" in all respects. Which makes sense, because it literally IS heavier (duh).

But it goes beyond just gross vehicle weight...the way it handles, takes corners and gets up to speed. It's very quick - quicker than I expected. And while I'm a firm believer in the addage that "there's no replacement when it comes to displacement" as far as engines go, that 4.0i is a nice rig. That said, I still want MY truck back...hurry up BMW, will you?

Just my $0.02.

The 40 surprised me. I think it has more ponies than being said.

[mitch57]

I would like to see a real world 0 to 60 MPH test of the x40i compared to the x50i. BMW specs only a 6 tenths of a second difference. x40i 0 - 60 MPH is 5.8 seconds and the X50i is 5.2 seconds.

We all know that both of these are quicker than the listed specs. I'd like to see the true real world difference for that extra 20K.

[like2short]

Originally Posted by mitch57

I would like to see a real world 0 to 60 MPH test of the x40i compared to the x50i. BMW specs only a 6 tenths of a second difference. x40i 0 - 60 MPH is 5.8 seconds and the X50i is 5.2 seconds.

We all know that both of these are quicker than the listed specs. I'd like to see the true real world difference for that extra 20K.

C&D has numbers on both. 5.4 sec for 40i and 4.6 sec for 50i, M50i factory rating is 4.5, so around 4 is likely.


30-50: 3.3 and 2.9

50-70: 4.0 and 3.5

[Wild Blue]

I've driven all three models. I thought the 40i was plenty sufficient for power, and I'd be happy with it. I won't be going for the 50i, as I'll be doing the sport package. But I've been strongly leaning towards the M50i, for a few reasons. This will be a special car for me. Planning on getting this one just right.

[aas5]

I think it really depends on your driving style and what you drove before switching to X7. I have an X6M so an X7 4.0 is just too slow for me.

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by aas5

I think it really depends on your driving style and what you drove before switching to X7. I have an X6M so an X7 4.0 is just too slow for me.

Very true. I'm coming from an XC90 which I found to be extremely under powered. The 40i would have been a step up, but felt like the M50i was the right emotional decision

[Crimsonboz]

Originally Posted by Wanderer73

Very true. I'm coming from an XC90 which I found to be extremely under powered. The 40i would have been a step up, but felt like the M50i was the right emotional decision

I almost pulled the trigger on the M50 but, after driving the 40i I was like this is pretty dang good for a daily. Hot rod is in the garage.

However I did load it out lol so I only saved on the motor lol.

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by Crimsonboz

I almost pulled the trigger on the M50 but, after driving the 40i I was like this is pretty dang good for a daily. Hot rod is in the garage.

However I did load it out lol so I only saved on the motor lol.

No doubt. I was pleasantly surprised with the 40i. No hot rod in my garage, hence my decision

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by Wanderer73

Very true. I'm coming from an XC90 which I found to be extremely under powered.

With undersized brakes. I could not get over how loud yet weak that motor is and then even weaker brakes. I felt like I was stepping on a wet sponge.

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

With undersized brakes. I could not get over how loud yet weak that motor is and then even weaker brakes. I felt like I was stepping on a wet sponge.

I couldn't have come up with a better analogy! My wife loved that one. We're both looking forward to getting our hands on our X7.

[iconoclast]

It's funny to see how many XC90 driver's have migrated to an X5, X7 or Q7. A lot of people who claim they will never be in another Volvo product as well. The new XC90 was a make a break for Volvo and it looks like it's premature debut soured a great deal of customers.

[Heimdall]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

It's funny to see how many XC90 driver's have migrated to an X5, X7 or Q7. A lot of people who claim they will never be in another Volvo product as well. The new XC90 was a make a break for Volvo and it looks like it's premature debut soured a great deal of customers.

Main issue with the Xc90, that it doesn't function as intended, specially brakes and infotainment "Sensus". Add the that, the inconsistencies of Volvo NA how they handle claims and cases.

Better buy yourself out of a headache with an X7

[cvp33]

We had a Tahoe, a V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee and most recently a Hyundai Palisade. All felt underpowered, slow with jittery handling. We narrowed the search to the Lincoln Aviator versus X7 4.0. The Aviator felt faster but has the same 0-60. We figured out that the exhaust noise plus the brittle handling of the Aviator made it feel faster. The X7 is one of those vehicles that you look down and you can’t believe the number that the speedometer is showing.