2022 BMW X7 Interior and Cargo

You are unlikely to find a Bimmer with less than the highest quality materials dressing the interior, and the most expensive SUV on offer in the brand's lineup certainly doesn't buck this trend. The most simplistic upholstery available is SensaTec leatherette on the xDrive40i, in plain but elegant Black. For an extra $1,450, this is replaced with Vernasca leather, in a choice of Black, Coffee, or Cognac. You could opt for the soothing Canberra Beige, but since this has to be paired with an Alcantara headliner, the net increase in cost is actually $2,450. Upgrading to the multicontour seats unlocks further upholstery options, namely Merino leather. Available hues include Ivory White, Coffee, Black, or Tartufo, at a total increase in price of $3,200. The priciest option is Ivory White/Night Blue Merino leather at $5,150, although it, too, requires the $1,000 headliner as well as the $1,600 Luxury Seating Package. The M50i skips over the SensaTec and starts at Vernasca leather with no additional cost. This means that all upgrades from here up cost $1,450 less than they do on the base model. Each material can be paired with a choice of trims, including various natural grain woods or Piano Black.

While the X7 may be able to accommodate up to seven people in relative comfort, the same definitely cannot be said for their luggage. Not many three-row SUVs can boast particularly large trunks, but the BMW's storage capacity is still quite embarrassing. With all the seats in place, it can stow a mere 12.8 cubic feet. This may be enough for just two people, but if that's all you need, why not opt for a luxury sedan instead? Since the rear-most seats are not ideal for people, it may be best to leave them folded down in a 50/50 split, which frees up 48.6 cubic feet. This is more than enough for five people to pack all their goodies for an entire weekend away. If you need to move larger items, folding down the second-row seats further increases available space to 90.4 cubic feet.

Around the cabin, there is a variety of small-item storage solutions. Each of the four doors offers a well-sized pocket, while each row of seats receives a pair of cupholders. A standard glovebox and center armrest cubby allow for larger-item storage. A second armrest is provided when the captain's chairs are installed.

Sport utility vehicles at this price range are generally replete with loads of tech, and the BMW X7 SUV is no exception. The xDrive40i starts things off with 14-way power-adjustable front seats, factory-installed with heating functionality, and a panoramic moonroof. The M50i has 18-way power multicontour front seats instead. Quad-zone climate control keeps all the occupants comfortable, while blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and parking sensors help to keep them all safe. Built-in conveniences comprise remote engine start, power accessories, and auto-dimming interior and driver's exterior rearview mirrors. Optional upgrades include ventilation for the front seats and heating for the second row. The steering wheel and front armrests are heated as standard. Further improvements comprise a surround-view camera, lane keep assist, semi-autonomous driving technologies, and a head-up display, but these are all part of packages. A standard 12.3-inch driver-information display helps to keep track of all these features.

The infotainment suite centers around a large 12.3-inch touchscreen interface, which comes programmed with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and over-the-air software updates. Various USB ports help to keep your smart devices charged. The standard audio system consists of ten generic speakers, channeling both SiriusXM or HD Radio. Available as part of a package upgrade, or standard on the M50i, a 16-speaker system offers even better quality audio. Sadly, last year's optional 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system is no longer offered. If you want a better sound system than the base car, you have to opt for the M50i with its 16-speaker Harman Kardon setup - which isn't available on the xDrive40i either. The rear-seat entertainment system is no longer available either.