BMW got tired of sitting on the sidelines while the competition explored the large luxury SUV space. In 2019, the German automaker launched the X7, and fans rejoiced! The BMW X7 is the biggest SUV in the family, a size up from the already popular X5.

Since then, the BMW X7 has continued to impress critics and consumers alike, proving that people really wanted a luxury three-row ride. But as we explore the reviews of the 2021 model lineups, it seems the BMW X7 oddly has less cargo space than even the BMW 3 Series sedan. Will consumers stand for this cargo crunch?

Is the 2021 BMW X7 worth it?

With BMW, you might be accustomed to a perfect marriage of performance and luxury. The 2021 BMW X7 won’t disappoint, either. This three-row SUV is available in two trims, the xDrive40i, and the M50i. The xDrive40i comes with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine.

It also gets paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid variation. This version is capable of 335-hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, which means plenty of pep for a large SUV.

But the M50i comes with an even more impressive 4.4-liter V8 that harnesses 523 horses with 553 lb-ft of torque. AWD comes standard, too, so you won’t miss a beat in performance and capability.

A close up on the inside

Step inside the 2021 BMW X7 to experience the upscale luxury you crave. This seven-seater makes sure everyone’s comfortable with synthetic leather upholstery and 16-way power adjusting front seats with heat. The front armrests are heated, as is the power tilting and telescoping steering wheel. And these plush comforts come standard.

Other standard amenities for the 2021 BMW X7, according to U.S. News, include a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, quad-zone climate control, remote start, and a panoramic moonroof.

Every X7 offers proximity keyless entry, a ten-speaker audio system, and ambient interior lighting, just to enhance the luxury experience. Pair your Apple or Android phone and wirelessly charge it while you’re on the go. 

The 2021 BMW X7 is a little short on cargo space for some people

All this performance and all this luxury may sound promising, but there might be a caveat with the 2021 BMW X7. This large SUV feels smaller in cargo areas, and for a reason.

The measurements suggest there are 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row. Behind the front row, middle row passengers have 90.4 cubic feet of knee room.

The room behind the third-row doesn’t leave much space. Of course, there is always the option to fold the third-row down to create more space, but having that little space is a little surprising.

The BMW 3 Series has more room

To help you understand better and wrap your head around just how little cargo space there is in the BMW X7, Motor Trend points out one glaring fact.

The X7 has fewer cubic feet of cargo than the BMW 3 Series compact sedan. And during that evaluation, the critics weren’t impressed with the legroom, the shoulder room, and the headroom, either. At one point, MotorTrend says it’s “cramped” inside when compared to others in this large luxury class.

U.S. News compliments the BMW 3 Series for being one of the most spacious cars with the most trunk space in its class.

You will likely be super impressed overall with the 2021 BMW X7. It absolutely delivers in the luxury realm, seating seven, with plenty of horsepower. But if you need to haul stuff or fit more than your average load of groceries, while still using the third-row, you might be disappointed.

Testing driving an X7 is the perfect way to figure out if it has enough space for you.