Test Drove X7 50i & G20 3 series

tastes jigga · 02-25-2019, 04:38 PM

Today I got the opportunity to drive both the new X7 50i w/ DHP and also a new G20 330i xDrive M Sport (with the M sport suspension). I thought my fellow G01 X3 owners might like to know my thoughts and discuss. To give you a quick history, my previous vehicles include: '19 X3 M40i (current car), '18 M4 ZCP 6MT, '14 435i xDrive, '12 135i 6MT, '06 Lexus IS350, and a '02 X5 3.0., and I also participate in performance driving events like BMW's M classes at Thermal (One Day M, Advanced M, M Car Control Clinic).

The X7 50i with DHP
I was left speechless driving this car. It was much more comfortable than my X3 M40i, but it still handled extremely well. The X7 didn't feel that large and there was no body roll when I took turns at the limit in Sport mode. It wasn't quite as fun to drive as my X3, but the 50i handled very well and pulled strong until redline. The seats were incredibly comfortable and worlds better than what is in the G01. I also found the driver assistant plus system to be much improved over the system used in our G01. About everything in the X7 was better than my X3 except the new dashboard which I am still warming up to. When I left the dealership, my X3 felt a lot less special to me.

G20 330i xDrive with M Sport Suspension
I also got to drive a very well equipped new 3 series. The car handled very well but the suspension was a little too stiff. It wasn't jarring stiff like my M4 ZCP with 20's, but it was much sportier compared to my 435i xDrive (which had the standard suspension). I really pushed the G20 to the limits, and it performed very well. In fact - it handled better than I was expecting. I didn't care for the 4 cylinder engine, but BMW really got it right with this car. Oh almost forgot, THE STEERING!!! I was shocked at the steering feel in this car. It was WAYYY better than what was in my 435i. It has been months since I have driven one, but I honestly believe the steering in the new 3 series is better than what was in my M4 ZCP!

Summary
Go drive the X7 with DHP and you will be shocked. I will be trading in my X3 for an X7 M50i, and pick up a sports car as a second vehicle. I really like the direction BMW is heading.

stein_325i · 02-25-2019, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the mini review of the X7 and 330i. Seems like BMW is really serious about returning the more sporty nature to their vehicles. Can't wait to get behind the wheel of a M340i when they arrive at dealers.

chicagofan00 · 02-25-2019, 07:36 PM

I went and checked out the X7 50i at my local dealership yesterday. I didn't test drive as it's well beyond my current budget so no sense in getting the itch for one. However, the interior of the X7 is fantastic. Tons of room, the seats are super comfortable, and just the overall fit and finished was great...as it should be for a vehicle north of $100k. I liked the new digital dash more than I thought I would in person but still a bit jarring of a difference to the one in the X3. iDrive 7 definitely seemed cool and a nice upgrade. I'd say BMW is definitely moving in the right direction if it wasn't for that monstrosity of a grille.

IM_ALL_IN · 02-25-2019, 07:55 PM

It better be nicer all around for $40K+ more. Too big for me and out of my price range anyway.

KaedeNR · 02-25-2019, 08:11 PM

I'd be more interested in a X3 m40i with X7 quality materials for X3M price. X7 is simply too big, and X3M doesn't have a V8 so its kinda w.e. I don't track or drive very aggressively either. I'm not quite sure why most premium car manufacture equate size to quality.

MechX3M40i · 02-25-2019, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaedeNR

I'd be more interested in a X3 m40i with X7 quality materials for X3M price. X7 is simply too big, and X3M doesn't have a V8 so its kinda w.e. I'm not quite sure why most premium car manufacture equate size to quality.

It's usually easier for car manufacturers to charge way more money based on size, hence they could afford using better materials in larger vehicles... I can assure you that BMW makes way more $ per X7 they sell vs. X3.

JustChris · 02-26-2019, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tastes jigga

Today I got the opportunity to drive both the new X7 50i w/ DHP and also a new G20 330i xDrive M Sport (with the M sport suspension). I thought my fellow G01 X3 owners might like to know my thoughts and discuss. To give you a quick history, my previous vehicles include: '19 X3 M40i (current car), '18 M4 ZCP 6MT, '14 435i xDrive, '12 135i 6MT, '06 Lexus IS350, and a '02 X5 3.0., and I also participate in performance driving events like BMW's M classes at Thermal (One Day M, Advanced M, M Car Control Clinic).

The X7 50i with DHP
I was left speechless driving this car. It was much more comfortable than my X3 M40i, but it still handled extremely well. The X7 didn't feel that large and there was no body roll when I took turns at the limit in Sport mode. It wasn't quite as fun to drive as my X3, but the 50i handled very well and pulled strong until redline. The seats were incredibly comfortable and worlds better than what is in the G01. I also found the driver assistant plus system to be much improved over the system used in our G01. About everything in the X7 was better than my X3 except the new dashboard which I am still warming up to. When I left the dealership, my X3 felt a lot less special to me.

G20 330i xDrive with M Sport Suspension
I also got to drive a very well equipped new 3 series. The car handled very well but the suspension was a little too stiff. It wasn't jarring stiff like my M4 ZCP with 20's, but it was much sportier compared to my 435i xDrive (which had the standard suspension). I really pushed the G20 to the limits, and it performed very well. In fact - it handled better than I was expecting. I didn't care for the 4 cylinder engine, but BMW really got it right with this car. Oh almost forgot, THE STEERING!!! I was shocked at the steering feel in this car. It was WAYYY better than what was in my 435i. It has been months since I have driven one, but I honestly believe the steering in the new 3 series is better than what was in my M4 ZCP!

Summary
Go drive the X7 with DHP and you will be shocked. I will be trading in my X3 for an X7 M50i, and pick up a sports car as a second vehicle. I really like the direction BMW is heading.

Wow good feedback on the X7, your dealer did a great job getting you into those cars then

nogren · 02-26-2019, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaedeNR

I'd be more interested in a X3 m40i with X7 quality materials for X3M price. X7 is simply too big, and X3M doesn't have a V8 so its kinda w.e. I don't track or drive very aggressively either. I'm not quite sure why most premium car manufacture equate size to quality.

I agree, but have to opposite need at the moment. I need the space, but are happy with X3 quality and 30d engine at the moment. Kids and dogs ...

No1Cares · 02-27-2019, 09:32 AM

good to know. but I sure hope it made your x3 feel less special as the price difference says it should make you feel that way haha. that's gotta be almost (if not more) a 100k SUV. the little x3 m40i is just around 55k new with some options....

Benandluna · 02-27-2019, 01:43 PM

Definitely too large. IMO it is not a good looking car, but then again i feel that way towards all large SUVs soo...

If i had more cash to spend i would go with a X5M.

02-25-2019, 04:38 PM	#1
tastes jigga First Lieutenant 316 Rep 343 Posts Drives: '19 750i xDrive Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X3 M40i [0.00]	Test Drove X7 50i & G20 3 series Today I got the opportunity to drive both the new X7 50i w/ DHP and also a new G20 330i xDrive M Sport (with the M sport suspension). I thought my fellow G01 X3 owners might like to know my thoughts and discuss. To give you a quick history, my previous vehicles include: '19 X3 M40i (current car), '18 M4 ZCP 6MT, '14 435i xDrive, '12 135i 6MT, '06 Lexus IS350, and a '02 X5 3.0., and I also participate in performance driving events like BMW's M classes at Thermal (One Day M, Advanced M, M Car Control Clinic). The X7 50i with DHP I was left speechless driving this car. It was much more comfortable than my X3 M40i, but it still handled extremely well. The X7 didn't feel that large and there was no body roll when I took turns at the limit in Sport mode. It wasn't quite as fun to drive as my X3, but the 50i handled very well and pulled strong until redline. The seats were incredibly comfortable and worlds better than what is in the G01. I also found the driver assistant plus system to be much improved over the system used in our G01. About everything in the X7 was better than my X3 except the new dashboard which I am still warming up to. When I left the dealership, my X3 felt a lot less special to me. G20 330i xDrive with M Sport Suspension I also got to drive a very well equipped new 3 series. The car handled very well but the suspension was a little too stiff. It wasn't jarring stiff like my M4 ZCP with 20's, but it was much sportier compared to my 435i xDrive (which had the standard suspension). I really pushed the G20 to the limits, and it performed very well. In fact - it handled better than I was expecting. I didn't care for the 4 cylinder engine, but BMW really got it right with this car. Oh almost forgot, THE STEERING!!! I was shocked at the steering feel in this car. It was WAYYY better than what was in my 435i. It has been months since I have driven one, but I honestly believe the steering in the new 3 series is better than what was in my M4 ZCP! Summary Go drive the X7 with DHP and you will be shocked. I will be trading in my X3 for an X7 M50i, and pick up a sports car as a second vehicle. I really like the direction BMW is heading. Last edited by tastes jigga; 02-25-2019 at 06:34 PM..
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02-25-2019, 06:03 PM	#2
stein_325i Ring Leader of G8X Haters 25083 Rep 8,762 Posts Drives: A Car Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: All-Around iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the mini review of the X7 and 330i. Seems like BMW is really serious about returning the more sporty nature to their vehicles. Can't wait to get behind the wheel of a M340i when they arrive at dealers. __________________ Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
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02-25-2019, 07:36 PM	#3
chicagofan00 Major General 19146 Rep 8,032 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 M60i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phoenix iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 BMW X5 M60i [10.00]	I went and checked out the X7 50i at my local dealership yesterday. I didn't test drive as it's well beyond my current budget so no sense in getting the itch for one. However, the interior of the X7 is fantastic. Tons of room, the seats are super comfortable, and just the overall fit and finished was great...as it should be for a vehicle north of $100k. I liked the new digital dash more than I thought I would in person but still a bit jarring of a difference to the one in the X3. iDrive 7 definitely seemed cool and a nice upgrade. I'd say BMW is definitely moving in the right direction if it wasn't for that monstrosity of a grille. __________________ Instagram: @Phxrisingphotography Current - 2024 G05 X5 ///M60i in Java Green Past - 2005 E53 X5 3.0i in Titanium Silver; 2008 E92 335i in Montego Blue; 2019 G01 X3 M40i in Glacier Silver; 2022 G80 M3 Competition in Twilight Purple
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02-25-2019, 07:55 PM	#4
IM_ALL_IN Private First Class 57 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Northeast iTrader: (0)	It better be nicer all around for $40K+ more. Too big for me and out of my price range anyway.
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02-25-2019, 08:11 PM	#5
KaedeNR New Member 18 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Cali iTrader: (0)	I'd be more interested in a X3 m40i with X7 quality materials for X3M price. X7 is simply too big, and X3M doesn't have a V8 so its kinda w.e. I don't track or drive very aggressively either. I'm not quite sure why most premium car manufacture equate size to quality.
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02-27-2019, 09:32 AM	#9
No1Cares Lieutenant 435 Rep 570 Posts Drives: X3 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	good to know. but I sure hope it made your x3 feel less special as the price difference says it should make you feel that way haha. that's gotta be almost (if not more) a 100k SUV. the little x3 m40i is just around 55k new with some options....
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02-27-2019, 01:43 PM	#10
Benandluna Lieutenant 126 Rep 424 Posts Drives: 2018 x3 m40i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Definitely too large. IMO it is not a good looking car, but then again i feel that way towards all large SUVs soo... If i had more cash to spend i would go with a X5M. __________________ 2016 BSM M235i: Fully loaded. Dinan Stage II Tune, Dinan CAI, Fabspeed Sport Cat, Fabspeed Muffler Delete.
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