2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Chevrolet Suburban

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 set it apart from the Lexus LX 570 and had a significant visual impact compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the choice of a luxury SUV often came down to personal preference and emotional connection, which could vary among buyers.

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 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium leather, and a trailer hitch, among other features, bringing its price to $91,745. The X7's design was marked by its large grille, which was fitting for its size, and its styling was both traditional and glamorous, securing its place at the top of BMW's SUV lineup. Inside, the X7 shared many features with the X5, offering high-tech design and quality materials, though some quirks required getting used to.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a commanding presence on the road. The Suburban was available in six trims, allowing for customization despite its single body style. The RST test vehicle featured a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch wheels, and a sporty look with its monochromatic black grille and RST-specific badging.

Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin, ranging from comfortable on the base LS trim to luxurious on the High Country. The RST model included 10-way power seats, Jet Black leather with Victory Red stitching, and the optional Luxury package. While the cabin was generally pleasant, the predominance of black materials made it feel somewhat dark. The Suburban's size provided ample space for passengers and cargo, but it also posed challenges in maneuvering and parking in tight spaces. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change from the traditional column-mounted shifter.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i 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 BMW's xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology added 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 city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power for its size.

The X7's driving experience was smooth and serene, with features like the Dynamic Handling Package and Active Comfort Drive system enhancing ride quality. However, the SUV's weight and size could lead to excessive body motions, affecting driving enjoyment. The X7's eight-speed transmission was praised for its performance, and the SUV's brakes were effective in managing its weight. While the X7 offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it was not taken off-road during testing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 hp. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, provided noticeable power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing and hauling. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds, and the SUV performed well during an 80-mile tow test.

The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, while the 6.2-liter V8 offered effortless power. The SUV's size and weight were evident, but the additional power of the 6.2-liter engine made a significant difference in performance. The Suburban's towing capabilities were enhanced by features like hitch guidance and multiple rear camera views, making it a reliable choice for those needing to tow heavy loads.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, with features like heated rear seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, and premium leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, and the second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though access could be challenging in tight parking spaces. The X7's third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, with a five-zone climate control system ensuring comfort for all passengers. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 90.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was spacious and accessible, with 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the second and third rows expanded cargo capacity to 144.7 cubic feet, the largest in its class. The Suburban's cabin featured a power-sliding center console and ample storage options, though its size made maneuvering and parking challenging. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change from the traditional column-mounted shifter.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the 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 with real-time traffic and parking information. Wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were also included, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered advanced technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was standard on higher trims. The Suburban featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and various audio system options. The test vehicle's nine-speaker Bose audio system provided decent sound quality, though it was inferior to the premium Bose CenterPoint system.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with numerous 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 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.