2022 BMW X5 vs X7

BMW released its first SAV (sports ACTIVITY vehicle) two decades ago but, within this short time, it has produced a line of luxury SUVs that have earned a solid reputation. Consumers prefer to buy an SUV from BMW because of its quality and performance. Within BMW are two outstanding offerings of SUVs: the X5 and the X7. Which one should you purchase?

First, the X7 is a more expensive car compared to the X5 but a fully loaded X5 comes close to the price of the X7. Also, the X5 M50 is a much better high-performance SUV than the X7. The question then becomes, should you buy a loaded X5 or an entry-level X7?

COMPARING THE BMW X5 VS THE BMW X7

A fully loaded BMW X5 SUV is one gem of a vehicle. It is packed with many features that make driving fun, comfortable, and easy.  On the other hand, even the basic BMW X7 is a solid luxury SUV with state-of-the-art materials and even more options than the X5. It is also a much bigger luxurious car with ample space compared to the X5, regardless of the options.

As far as the ride is concerned, the X7 is pure luxury.  For a big, tall SUV, the X7 is easy to handle, hugs the roads well, and offers excellent traction. The ride in the X7 is best described as smooth and noiseless.

The BMW X5 SUV is slightly smaller and more agile on the road. In addition, the steering is more responsive and permits solid handling around steep corners. The lower and firmer suspension also contributes to a more stable overall ride. One additional feature that makes the X5 a better car is the availability of the M50 or the M performance model, which is a seriously powerful car. If it’s power and performance you’re after, then, again, the X5 stands out.

Performance

Both the X5 and X7 come with 8-speed automatic transmission, and they both have all-wheel drive, except for the base model X5 s Drive 40i. As far as acceleration, handling, and speed are concerned, they are almost identical. The power in the X7 is often muted as the car is heavy, but make no mistake, it has all the acceleration needed for a faster ride.

The Exterior

The X7 is a bolder car with a rugged look and is more pronounced. One feature that stands out is the huge grille, whose size is further accentuated by the thin and wide headlights. While looking square in profile, the X7 does offer sporty hints because of the obvious vent behind the front wheel. The exterior of the X5 is more sophisticated and has improved cosmesis from all angles. In fact, if you want to turn your neighbor’s head, then go for the BMW X5 SUV.

The Interior

In the interior, there are no major differences between the BMW X5 vs X7. The dashboard, trim, displays, and controls are almost identical. The key difference is that the X7 is more spacious, which provides more comfort for all passengers, especially in the third row.

The Cost

The BMW X7 is $20,000 more expensive than the BMW X5 SUV in all trims, and, while the X7 is a great SUV, is it worth paying an extra $20,000 just for more room in the car? The X5 offers almost everything that the X7 does, including a lovely interior and very similar hi-tech features.

The base price for the least expensive sDrive 40i model BMW X5 is $59, 895. The upgraded X5 xDrive 40i is an extra $3,000 for the all-wheel drive. The top model X5 M50i costs $83,145.

The base price for the xDrive 40i X7 starts at $74,895 and the top model M50i costs $100,595. With all models of BMW, there is a wealth of extra options and accessories. At the end of the day, you will not go wrong with either car; it all boils down to personal preferences.

Conclusion

Make no mistake, both the BMW X5 vs X7 are great cars, but they have many overlapping features, and this makes it hard to choose between them. The fully loaded BMW X5 SUV is comparable to the base level X7 and, at the end of the day, it all boils down to one thing: do you need a bigger car or one that has slightly better overall performance? 

There is no question that the X7 is a better luxury SUV but the X5 offers a far better balance between fun and performance. It is a sturdy two-and-a-half-ton SUV that has excellent steering, superb agility, and power. If you are looking for a large SUV that is fun to drive, then the X5 is the car you need.  But if you have a large family, always traveling long distances, constantly towing or lugging heavy items in the car, the X7 will serve you well.

For more information and help deciding which one you should choose, the BMW X5 vs X7, contact Braman Motorcars today at 1-561-609-0130 or visit their showroom in West Palm Beach.