2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

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 competitors like 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 striking 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 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, represented a shift in Buick's design philosophy, moving away from conservative styling to embrace a more modern and upscale appearance. This transition was part of Buick's broader strategy to focus on SUVs, reflecting the changing preferences of the U.S. market. The Enclave, with its refreshed exterior and interior enhancements, was a testament to Buick's commitment to offering a premium driving experience. The Avenir trim, in particular, showcased unique design elements and luxurious features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking comfort and style.

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. This engine was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The introduction of eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to enhance fuel efficiency, although the EPA ratings showed a slight decrease compared to the previous year. The X7's performance was characterized by its smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and its ability to handle various driving conditions with ease. Despite its size and weight, the X7 offered a dynamic driving experience, thanks to features like the Dynamic Handling Package and Integral Active Steering.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with FWD as standard and AWD available. The Enclave's performance was marked by its smooth and quiet ride, enhanced by the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's powertrain provided responsive acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. While not designed for off-road adventures, the Enclave's AWD and ground clearance made it capable of handling light trails and adverse weather conditions.

The interior of the 2021 BMW X7 was a testament to luxury, featuring premium Merino leather upholstery and a host of comfort-focused packages. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered ample comfort, although the long rear doors could pose challenges in tight parking spaces. The X7's third-row seating was surprisingly accommodating for adults, and the power clamshell tailgate revealed a modest cargo space that expanded significantly with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable cabin for all passengers. With standard power-adjustable and heated front seats, the Enclave ensured a pleasant driving experience. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access to the third row, which offered sufficient space for adults. The Enclave's cargo capacity was impressive, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The restyled center console and push-button transmission added to the Enclave's modern appeal, although the potential for spills on the electronic shifter was a concern.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both utilizing 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and enhanced SiriusXM 360L, along with a natural voice-recognition system. While the iDrive system was user-friendly, it could be distracting to navigate while driving. The X7 also offered a head-up display, although visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported multiple device pairings and included a WiFi hotspot. The system was intuitive, though some graphics appeared dated. The Enclave also featured a range of standard and available safety technologies, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly SUV.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available through the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. These packages included advanced driving assistance systems that enhanced the X7's safety and convenience, although some aspects of the lane-maintenance technology were less than perfect.

For 2022, Buick made significant strides in safety by standardizing the Driver Confidence Plus package across all Enclave trims. This package included a host of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. The Enclave's safety systems performed reliably, with no false alarms during testing. While NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Enclave, the IIHS awarded it high marks in most categories.