2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

Driving in metropolitan Los Angeles often meant encountering many examples of the BMW X7’s competitors on the road, making comparisons inevitable when behind the wheel of the X7. It was believed that the BMW X7 had superior interior quality compared to the Cadillac Escalade, more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator, additional technological sophistication over the Lexus LX 570, and a significant visual presence in comparison to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Though it was considered one of the better vehicles in its class, it was acknowledged that emotion often drives choice in this segment, and preferences could vary.

Three versions of the 2021 BMW X7 were available: the X7 xDrive40i with a starting MSRP of $74,900, the X7 M50i starting at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7, costing a hefty $141,300. The test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, sported 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium extended leather, a leather-wrapped dashboard, an Alcantara suede headliner, glass interior controls, and a trailer hitch, resulting in a window sticker of $91,745 including the destination charge.

Critics pointed out that while the giant grille trend at BMW might be attributed to the X7, its massive “kidneys” were considered appropriate for the large SUV, adding enough glam to claim its spot at the top of BMW’s SUV lineup. Interiorly, the X5 and X7 shared many components, presenting a high-tech, high-quality design with mostly intuitive controls, though some quirks required acclimation over time.

The Escalade created a strong first impression with its unapologetically massive size. Its design elements, including the oversized grille, LED running lights, and taillights that recalled classic Cadillac tail fins, accentuated its bulk. The front end appeared more akin to that of a diesel locomotive. Although the various styling elements successfully distinguished the Escalade from other GM full-size SUVs, they always emphasized its size. Our test vehicle, with its 22-inch wheels, made them look small in comparison to the expansive sheet metal.

The Escalade offered different trim pieces for “sport” and “luxury” models, with bright trim for Luxury and Premium Luxury models, and darkened trim for the Sport model. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury positioning without customer dissatisfaction over the years. However, it lacked a cohesive interior design theme, unlike its competitors like the Lincoln Navigator. While luxurious materials were used, the inclusion of some cheap-looking plastic bits was noticeable.

For 2021, BMW electrified the xDrive40i’s 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower between 5,500 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 331 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 rpm to 5,200 rpm, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive rear-biased AWD system. BMW’s eBoost mild-hybrid technology added a 48-volt starter/generator and a second battery, aiding in coasting, regenerative braking, and powering numerous vehicle systems to reduce engine load. However, despite claims of improved fuel economy, the 2021 X7’s EPA ratings dropped to 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. On the testing loop, the X7 returned 19.8 mpg in Sport mode most of the time.

The X7 xDrive40i’s power was in no short supply, with BMW claiming a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Despite not using Sport mode continuously to evaluate performance, excessive body motions detracted from driving enjoyment. The Dynamic Handling Package’s self-leveling air suspension could not fully manage the vehicle's rock, roll, squat, and dive tendencies. The SUV’s nearly 5,400-pound curb weight was noticeable on highways but was still manageable.

In contrast, the 2022 Escalade offered two powertrains: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with standard RWD or optional 4WD. While we tested the diesel engine, which had smooth power delivery and a low torque peak of 1,500 rpm, the brake pedal felt hard and did not inspire confidence.

The gasoline engine in the Escalade had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, slightly exceeding the diesel’s 8,100-pound capacity, although both figures fell short of what the Lincoln Navigator offered. The ride quality remained unsettled despite the independent rear suspension and available air suspension. The body-on-frame construction contributed to a less luxurious ride compared to unibody SUVs like the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Equipped with the Cold Weather Package, Luxury Seating Package, and extended premium Merino leather upholstery, the 2021 BMW X7’s interior was described as decadent. Front-seat comfort was outstanding, with heated front seats, armrests, and steering wheel as standard features. The second-row captain's chairs were also exceptionally comfortable, and a four-zone climate control system ensured individual comfort levels, with an available five-zone system providing separate controls for the third row.

Despite elaborate orchestration of front- and second-row seats needed for accessing, adults could fit in the third-row seat comfortably in the X7. The power clamshell tailgate revealed limited cargo space behind the third-row seat, but power-folding the seats down expanded the space to 48.6 cubic feet, and folding down the second row provided 90.4 cubic feet. These figures were respectable but fell short of class leaders.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Yukon XL. The standard Escalade measured 211.9 inches, while the extended ESV was 227 inches long, offering a cavernous cabin. It provided more first-row and third-row legroom than its full-size luxury SUV peers, with second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench seat as standard.

The Escalade’s cargo capacity was impressive, offering 25.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, 63.0 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, surpassing the Lincoln Navigator in cargo space. While the interior was spacious, minor functionality issues included limited storage space in the raised center console and seats that did not feel distinctive from other GM SUVs despite their adjustability and massage features.

In the 2021 BMW X7, BMW combined its Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation with the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both featuring 12.3-inch displays. The iDrive 7.0 system offered comprehensive features, including smartphone mirroring via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhanced SiriusXM 360L with a one-year subscription, and Connected Package Pro with accurate traffic data and real-time parking information. The vehicle also included wireless smartphone charging, a natural voice-recognition system, gesture control, and a head-up display.

However, the Escalade commanded attention with its advanced 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity came standard. The touchscreen’s design blended seamlessly into the dashboard, with iconic arrangements fitting the screen's shape and physical toggles for climate control enhancing usability.

Despite some issues with the carousel format for changing radio stations and an awkward rotary controller, the Escalade’s tech features included a standard 360-degree camera system with unparalleled resolution, a rearview camera mirror, night vision, augmented-reality navigation, and a 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system.

The 2021 BMW X7 came with standard safety technologies, with optional Driving Assistance Professional Package ($1,700) and the Parking Assistance Package adding features such as evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, lane-control assist, and an extended traffic-jam assist. The Parking Assistance Package included semi-automated parallel parking assist, a surround-view camera, and a drive recorder system. The X7’s ADAS was generally impressive, providing smooth and trustworthy assistance, despite minor issues on specific road conditions and automated lane-changing capability.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, trailer blind-spot monitoring, and the sophisticated Super Cruise system for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, though it was unavailable on the base Luxury model. Super Cruise’s performance was notably smooth and natural, contributing to easier handling of the large SUV. However, crash ratings by IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.