2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Nissan Armada

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 found in the Lexus LX 570, and its visual appeal was more pronounced than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the choice of a luxury SUV often came down to personal preference, and the X7 was no exception.

The X7 was available in three versions: the xDrive40i, M50i, and the high-end Alpina BX7, with prices starting at $74,900, $99,800, and $141,300, respectively. The xDrive40i test vehicle was equipped with luxurious features such as 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium leather, and a trailer hitch, bringing its total cost to $91,745. The X7's design, characterized by its large grille, was fitting for its size and added to its appeal. Inside, the X7 shared similarities with the X5, offering high-tech design and quality materials, though some features required acclimation.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its design with Nissan's new signature look. It retained its robust capabilities, with the Platinum trim offering a modernized exterior featuring a new grille, bumpers, and LED lights. The Armada's design updates brought it closer to the Nissan Kicks, Rogue, and Pathfinder, while maintaining its traditional athletic styling. The SUV was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, with the Midnight Edition Package exclusive to the SL trim.

The Armada's exterior updates included body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and LED lighting, with options for a power moonroof and side mirrors with puddle lamps. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels, all with all-season tires. The SUV's new logo was prominently displayed, and despite its mostly new rear, the Armada retained its characteristic underbite. The Midnight Edition Package added dark accents, and a new exterior color, Coulis Red Pearl, was introduced. While the Armada's tech features were upgraded, its interior design remained somewhat dated.

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 eBoost mild-hybrid technology, with a 48-volt battery, 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 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power.

Despite its power, the X7's driving experience was marred by excessive body motions, even with the Dynamic Handling Package. The SUV's nearly 5,400-pound weight was noticeable, but it maintained speed and fluidity on highways. The X7's eight-speed transmission was praised for its performance, and the SUV offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Dynamic Handling Package's M Sport brakes were effective, and the Active Comfort Drive system helped smooth out road imperfections.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. It came with a seven-speed automatic transmission and offered RWD as standard, with 4WD available. Despite its over 6,000-pound weight, the Armada was a capable off-roader, featuring a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance. The SUV's approach, departure, and breakover angles were 21.0, 22.4, and 20.7 inches, respectively.

The Armada's fuel economy was less impressive, with RWD models achieving 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined, while 4WD models got 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. The Armada's handling improved with each revision, and its turning radius was typical for its size. The SUV's towing capacity was best-in-class at 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and available trailer brake controller.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated rear seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, and premium Merino leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, with standard heated seats, armrests, and steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though the long rear doors could pose entry challenges. The X7's four-zone climate control system ensured comfort, with an available five-zone system for third-row occupants.

The X7's third-row seating was surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing it required maneuvering the power seats. The SUV's cargo space was limited, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The power clamshell tailgate revealed a small cargo area behind the third row.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as Nissan's flagship SUV, offered practicality and functionality for families. Its broad interior featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were distant from the driver. Front seats were power-adjustable, with lumbar support, and second-row captain's chairs were available in higher trims, reducing seating capacity to seven. Third-row seating was less comfortable for adults but usable in a pinch.

The Armada's cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. While these figures were below average for the segment, they were adequate for most buyers. The high load floor made loading challenging, and small-item storage was limited, though the center console bin offered ample space. The Armada featured nine cup holders and four bottle holders.

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, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro with traffic data and WiFi hotspot access. Wireless charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were also available, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Nissan Armada's tech upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, WiFi hotspot, and smartphone integration. A wireless charging pad, Bose audio system, rearview camera mirror, and second-row entertainment system were available. The Armada Platinum included these features as standard. The analog gauges and functional steering wheel provided basic control of the infotainment system.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist, among others. 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 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, though it received a three-star rollover rating. The SUV came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. The Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist.