2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's design evolution, showcasing a blend of elegance and modernity. Its exterior featured classic Volvo elements like the vertical bars on the grille, now with a blacked-out, honeycomb treatment on the R-Design trim. The SUV's "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease added a sense of width and stability. The interior was equally impressive, with options for matte wood trim and wool fabric seats, and the seats themselves were praised for their comfort and support. The XC90's craftsmanship was evident in details like the Swedish flag tag and the twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that commanded attention. Its massive grille was a bold statement, fitting for a large SUV, and the styling was both traditional and glamorous. Inside, the X7 offered exceptional comfort, with heated front seats, armrests, and a steering wheel as standard. The second-row captain's chairs were notably comfortable, and the third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults. The X7's interior was equipped with high-quality materials and advanced technology, making it a top choice for those seeking a premium driving experience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6, with its supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90 was not known for its sporty performance, with mid-range acceleration being adequate but not exceptional. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range made it less appealing.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It incorporated BMW's eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which aimed to improve fuel economy and responsiveness. However, the X7's EPA ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, with 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. The X7 excelled in delivering power, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Despite its size, the X7 offered a smooth and serene driving experience, thanks to features like the Active Comfort Drive system and Dynamic Handling Package. However, its handling in tight curves was less impressive, and the SUV's weight was noticeable on highways.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was well-organized, with the Sensus infotainment system offering quick initialization and responsive controls. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for essential functions. The XC90 provided seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, 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, and the third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults. The X7 offered a power clamshell tailgate, revealing a small cargo space behind the third row. With the rear seats folded, the X7 provided 90.4 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly more than the XC90.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easy, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was limited in customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and enhanced SiriusXM 360L. Wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were also available. The iDrive system was user-friendly, though it could be distracting while driving. The test vehicle included a head-up display, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 BMW X7 came equipped with 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. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were effective, though some specific scenarios revealed limitations in lane-maintenance technology.