2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

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 boasted more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. The X7 also offered advanced technological features that outshone the Lexus LX 570 and had a significant visual presence compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the X7's appeal was subjective, as personal preference played a significant role in this segment. 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 luxurious features and all available option packages, bringing its price to $91,745.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform and mechanicals with the Nissan Armada, giving it a familiar yet distinct appearance. Its front-end styling was unique, featuring a prominent yet tasteful Infiniti grille. The QX80's exterior was further enhanced by LED lighting and stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including quilted semi-aniline leather seats and wood trim. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's design was beginning to show its age compared to its competitors. While the cabin was comfortable and attractive, it fell short of the high standards set by other premium full-size SUVs in its class.

The 2021 BMW X7 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 X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery to enhance fuel efficiency and performance. Despite these advancements, the X7's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, with 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power and a smooth driving experience. The Dynamic Handling Package improved maneuverability and stability, while the Active Comfort Drive system adjusted suspension settings for a comfortable ride. However, the X7's nearly 5,400-pound curb weight was noticeable, and its handling could be challenging on narrow, winding roads.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine with 413 lb-ft of torque, delivering impressive performance and a satisfying exhaust note. The engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and seamless shifts. The QX80 offered both 2WD and 4WD options, with the latter featuring a computer-controlled transfer case for various driving conditions. With a ground clearance of 9.2 inches, the QX80 was capable of handling off-road terrain, although its low-profile tires required caution. The QX80's towing capacity was a generous 8,500 pounds, making it suitable for hauling large trailers or boats. Despite its size and weight, the QX80 managed to control body lean during cornering, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, featuring heated and ventilated front seats, premium leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, and the second-row captain's chairs provided ample comfort. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults, although accessing them required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7 offered 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though these figures were not class-leading.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, but once inside, the cabin felt spacious and airy. The front seats offered good head- and legroom, and visibility was commendable. The QX80 could seat up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats down. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were convenient but slow to operate.

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 available, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was useful but difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was equipped with a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included navigation, voice recognition, and Infiniti InTouch connected services. A Bose 13-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker system available on higher trims. The QX80 also featured a wireless smartphone charger and a dual-screen rear entertainment system, though the necessary HDMI adapters were missing. The absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist was notable, as the QX80's older architecture could not support the advanced driver aids.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive 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, lane-control assist, and emergency stop assist. The X7's ADAS was generally impressive, though it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance and automated lane changes.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 offered a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners for second-row passengers. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, while the structurally similar 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection.