2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refreshed exterior with updated front and rear styling, new wheels, and lighting elements that aligned it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI in Prestige trim, featured Navarra Blue metallic paint and additional packages, bringing its price to $74,290. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech ambiance, enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

The 2021 BMW X7, particularly the xDrive40i model, stood out with its luxurious interior and commanding presence. The test vehicle, priced at $91,745, included 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium extended leather, and a leather-wrapped dashboard. The X7's massive grille, though controversial, suited its large SUV stature. Inside, the X7 shared design elements with the X5, offering high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The cabin was equipped with heated and ventilated seats, a five-zone climate control system, and ample space, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive, delivered a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The Q7's 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 21 mpg during testing. The SUV's adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select system offered various driving modes, enhancing its agility and comfort on different terrains. The Q7 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 7,700 pounds, and provided a quiet cabin experience, thanks to dual-pane acoustic glass.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. Its eBoost mild-hybrid technology, featuring a 48-volt starter/generator, aimed to improve fuel economy, though EPA ratings showed a slight decrease. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and offered a smooth ride with its self-leveling air suspension and Dynamic Handling Package. Despite its nearly 5,400-pound weight, the X7 demonstrated effortless speed and stability, though it exhibited some body motions during spirited driving. The SUV's M Sport brakes provided reliable stopping power, and its eight-speed sport automatic transmission was praised for its performance.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third row. With the third row folded, cargo space expanded from 14.2 to 35.7 cubic feet, and a maximum of 69.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Prestige trim's front seats were comfortable for long journeys, and the second row provided ample legroom and climate control features. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and door-panel bins offering minimal space for personal items.

The 2021 BMW X7 excelled in interior comfort and space, featuring heated and ventilated front seats, a five-zone climate control system, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, though access to the third row required some maneuvering. Surprisingly, adults could fit in the third row without much complaint. The X7 offered 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though these figures were not class-leading.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for accessing various systems. It featured natural voice recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsive virtual buttons. The Prestige trim included a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though polarized sunglasses affected the display's visibility.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both with 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and enhanced SiriusXM 360L. The "Hey BMW" voice recognition was highly accurate, though gesture control was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses, but the overall user experience was improved compared to previous iterations.

The 2020 Audi Q7 came equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to abrupt braking. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for its "poor" headlight assessment.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package. This package included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. While the X7's ADAS generally performed well, there were instances of lane-maintenance confusion. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.