2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles. It boasted superior interior quality compared to the Cadillac Escalade, and its technological sophistication surpassed that of the Lexus LX 570. The X7's design, with its massive grille, was a bold statement that fit well with its large SUV stature, offering a blend of traditional BMW cues and modern glamor. Inside, the X7 shared many features with the X5, providing a high-tech design and high-quality materials, though some quirks required getting used to.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while inheriting some styling elements from other Genesis models, maintained a unique appearance. It combined SUV bulk with athletic, car-like elements, thanks to its sloping roofline and ribbed detailing. The Sport Prestige model added character with its unique styling features, including 21-inch wheels and a dark chrome finish. Inside, the GV70's elliptical theme, inspired by an airplane wing, offered a minimalistic yet luxurious design. The interior was available in various colors, with Nappa leather upholstery in the Sport Prestige model, though base models featured leatherette seats.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to improve fuel economy, though the EPA ratings showed a slight decrease compared to the previous year. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering smooth and serene driving, though its nearly 5,400-pound weight was noticeable. The Dynamic Handling Package enhanced maneuverability and stability, but the SUV's size and weight sometimes affected its agility on tighter roads.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty intentions. However, the chassis felt big and heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising, though the ride was firm with 21-inch wheels. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response, but the overall character of the GV70 leaned more towards comfort than sportiness.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a five-zone climate control system, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, though accessing the third row required some maneuvering. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding the seats expanded the capacity to 90.4 cubic feet.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it offered adequate headroom and legroom. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with limited room in the center console and door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though some controls were less intuitive.

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, and enhanced SiriusXM 360L. The natural voice-recognition system and gesture control were highlights, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses, but the overall technology package offered a user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system's tile-based layout and glass rotary controller were functional and high-quality. Higher trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also featured a digital-key system, a fingerprint scanner, and advanced rear-seat monitors. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Active Driving Assistant Pro offered evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. The system was generally impressive, though it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance in certain situations. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. It also included eight airbags, with a front-center airbag for added protection. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2, which added lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The system performed well on highways, though the lane-centering function had limitations on sharper curves.