2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Land Rover Defender

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of metropolitan Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and offered a prestigious presence that outshone the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator. The X7 boasted advanced technological features that exceeded those of the Lexus LX 570 and had a significant visual impact compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the X7's appeal was subjective, as personal preference played a significant role in this segment. The X7 was available in three versions, with the xDrive40i starting at $74,900, the M50i at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7 at $141,300. The test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, was equipped with premium features and option packages, bringing its price to $91,745.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, was a modern reinterpretation of a classic, maintaining the rugged charm of its predecessors while embracing contemporary design and technology. The Defender's exterior featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders reminiscent of its heritage. Its robust design was complemented by a functional vent and a spare tire mounted on the tailgate. The Defender's interior continued the theme of exposed structure, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls. The leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious, and the digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were seamlessly integrated. The Defender's interior was authentic and thoughtfully designed, with high-quality materials throughout.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite the technology, the X7's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, with 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power. However, its handling was affected by its weight, with noticeable body motions even with the Dynamic Handling Package. The X7 excelled in comfort and smoothness, with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like Terrain Response, locking differentials, and significant ground clearance. The Defender 110 with the 3.0-liter engine accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, matching the X7's performance. It had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The Defender excelled in both on-road comfort and off-road prowess, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, and the second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, although accessing it required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7 offered 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though these figures were not class-leading.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender's unibody platform and independent suspension contributed to its excellent ride quality and interior space. The Defender offered flexible seating configurations, including an optional jump seat in the front and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. The Defender 110 provided 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Defender's interior was spacious and versatile, accommodating various passenger and cargo needs.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured BMW's Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both with 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro. 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. A head-up display was included, but visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 700 watts of amplification. A ClearSight rear-view mirror and a full-color head-up display were also available.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. The X7's ADAS was generally effective, though it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance and automated lane changes. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was equipped with a wide range of standard safety features. These included airbags, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability in various conditions.