2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights evoked a sense of familiarity and ruggedness. The Defender's design was both classic and purposeful, with features like step plates and a ladder that harkened back to its utilitarian roots. Despite some modern touches, such as plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender maintained its adventurous spirit. The interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a slab-sided cabin that emphasized durability over luxury. While it lacked the opulence of some competitors, the Defender's charm lay in its rugged simplicity and off-road prowess.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that commanded attention on the road. Its massive grille and traditional BMW cues gave it a visual presence that set it apart from competitors. Inside, the X7 offered a high-tech and opulent experience, with premium materials and advanced technology. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and a suede headliner. The X7's design was both elegant and functional, providing a serene and comfortable ride for passengers. While it shared some design elements with the X5, the X7's luxurious touches and attention to detail made it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between two engines: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The latter was a mild hybrid, featuring an electric motor-powered turbocharger that eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exceptional, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines, deep water, and challenging terrain with ease. On-road, the Defender was quiet and comfortable, though its handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body lean.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It featured BMW's eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which improved responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The X7's eight-speed sport automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system provided smooth and effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Despite its size, the X7 handled well, though it exhibited some body motions that detracted from the driving experience. The Dynamic Handling Package improved maneuverability and stability, while the Active Comfort Drive system ensured a smooth ride. The X7 was a capable performer, offering a balance of power and comfort for both city and highway driving.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability, with a focus on off-road capability. Its interior was minimalist and functional, with rubber floors and durable materials. The Defender 90 offered a unique two-door configuration with an optional jump seat, accommodating up to six passengers. The four-door 110 model provided more space, with an optional third row for seven seats. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with up to 79 cubic feet available in the 110 model. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds, and its rugged design was built to withstand tough conditions.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious and spacious interior, with seating for up to seven passengers. The test vehicle featured premium Merino leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a five-zone climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, and the third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The X7's power clamshell tailgate and power-folding seats added convenience, making it a practical choice for families and those needing ample cargo space.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It offered two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting up to 16 computer modules. The interface was user-friendly, though some elements, like map zoom icons, were small and difficult to read. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras displaying the ground beneath the hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-inch digital instrument panel. Optional features included a head-up display and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 BMW X7 was equipped with the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrumentation. It supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with enhanced SiriusXM 360L and Connected Package Pro for real-time traffic and parking information. The system included wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The head-up display provided additional information, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. The X7's technology was advanced and user-friendly, offering a seamless and connected experience for drivers and passengers.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts. However, the Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked knee and rear side airbags.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The package included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist, among others. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were smooth and reliable, though some situations revealed minor issues with lane-maintenance technology. Overall, the X7's safety features were impressive and contributed to a stress-free driving experience.