2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 BMW X7 was a familiar sight on the roads of metropolitan Los Angeles, often seen alongside its competitors. When driving the X7, it was natural to draw comparisons with other luxury SUVs. The X7 boasted superior interior quality compared to the Cadillac Escalade, more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator, and a higher level of technological sophistication than the Lexus LX 570. Its visual presence was significant, especially when compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite being one of the better vehicles in its class, personal preference played a significant role in choosing a vehicle in this segment.

The X7 was available in three versions: the xDrive40i starting at $74,900, the M50i at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7 at $141,300. The test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, featured 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium extended leather, a leather-wrapped dashboard, an Alcantara suede headliner, glass interior controls, and a trailer hitch, with a total cost of $91,745. The X7's styling was appealing, with traditional BMW cues and a glamorous presence. Inside, it shared many features with the X5, offering high-tech design, high-quality materials, and mostly intuitive controls.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, especially after the introduction of a four-door version. The 2021 model started at $92,000, with a long-wheelbase version potentially costing over $250,000 with premium options. The test vehicle, an HSE Westminster special edition, had a more modest MSRP of $106,715 and featured standard paint, wheels, and leather, along with a wood-and-leather steering wheel and heated and ventilated seats.

Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean styling. The interior exuded luxury, with an Ivory-color cabin offering a high-contrast design. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system wasn't as advanced as newer models, it was manageable. The Range Rover's interior was luxurious, with a mid-century modern ambiance, but the technology required some acclimation.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology added a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel economy and responsiveness. However, the EPA ratings showed a slight decrease in fuel economy compared to the 2020 model, with 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power.

Despite its size, the X7 was smooth and serene, with features like the Dynamic Handling Package and Active Comfort Drive system enhancing the driving experience. The SUV's nearly 5,400-pound curb weight was noticeable, but it maintained effortless speed and fluidity. On canyon roads, the X7's dynamic heritage shone through, though it could become unwieldy on tighter curves. The eight-speed sport automatic transmission was brilliant, and the M Sport brakes provided reliable stopping power.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered various powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The SUV featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. Terrain Response 2 traction control ensured off-road capability, though the test vehicle was only taken on a well-traveled trail. The Range Rover's high seating position provided a commanding view, and the turbo-six engine delivered smooth and rapid acceleration.

The adaptive air suspension provided a classic wafting sensation, filtering road harshness and ensuring a comfortable ride. The Range Rover was easy to maneuver in cities, thanks to its tight turning radius and surround-view camera system. While it could handle mountain roads, the HSE Westminster required a more measured approach due to its weight and tall center of gravity. The EPA rated the Range Rover at 20 mpg combined, with the test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, with features like the Cold Weather Package, Luxury Seating Package, and premium Merino leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was outstanding, with heated seats, armrests, and steering wheel as standard. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, though the long rear doors could pose challenges in tight parking spaces. The four-zone automatic climate control system ensured individual comfort, with a five-zone system available for third-row occupants.

The X7's third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing it required some orchestration of the power seats. The power clamshell tailgate revealed limited cargo space behind the third row, with 48.6 cubic feet available when the seats were folded down and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. These figures were below class leaders.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather upholstery. However, the second row lacked comfort, with inadequate thigh support and a slouched seating position. Despite this, the back seat offered quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats.

Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for the small center-console bin. The refrigerated bin was too small for anything larger than a couple of Red Bulls. Luggage volume was also limited, with 25 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with navigation. Both used a 12.3-inch display, with iDrive's touchscreen offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system included enhanced SiriusXM 360L, Connected Package Pro, wireless smartphone charging, and a natural voice-recognition system. Gesture control was inconsistent, but the "Hey BMW" voice recognition was excellent.

The iDrive system was user-friendly for those familiar with modern tablets and smartphones, though it could be distracting while driving. The test vehicle also had a head-up display, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's instrumentation and infotainment were fully digital, with three displays offering numerous features and functions. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup at home to avoid distractions while driving. The head-up display was comprehensive but difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The Range Rover's technology included touch-sensing steering wheel controls and voice control commands, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. The waterproof Activity Key wristband allowed for keyless entry, and the iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with numerous safety technologies, with additional features available in the optional Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included Active Driving Assistant Pro, with features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. The system was generally impressive, though it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance and automated lane changes.

The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parallel parking assist, a surround-view camera, and a drive recorder system.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and parking sensors as standard. Additional driver aids were optional, with the Drive Pack offering adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Drive Pro Pack added active blind-spot monitoring and high-speed automatic emergency braking, while the Driver Assist Pack included lane-centering assistance and a 360-degree camera.

The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, with the technology generally performing well. The adaptive cruise control was slow to respond, but other safety features were effective and accurate.