2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and offered a prestigious presence that outshone the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator. The X7 boasted advanced technological features that exceeded those of the Lexus LX 570 and had a commanding 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 competitive market.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, on the other hand, was celebrated for its elegant design and luxurious appeal, a testament to Land Rover's long-standing reputation in the luxury SUV market. The Velar's design cleverly mirrored the larger Range Rover's iconic profile, offering a sporty yet sophisticated package. Its sleek form, highlighted by features like flush door handles and distinctive taillight lenses, made it a visual delight. However, the Velar's allure was somewhat marred by concerns over reliability, a common apprehension among Range Rover enthusiasts.

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 inclusion of eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to enhance fuel efficiency, though the EPA ratings showed a slight decrease compared to the previous year. The X7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power for most driving scenarios. Despite its size, the X7 handled well, thanks to features like the Dynamic Handling Package and Integral Active Steering, though it occasionally struggled with body motions on winding roads.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a more agile and responsive driving experience. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two power outputs, offered a more exhilarating drive. The air suspension with adaptive dampers provided a plush ride, and the Terrain Response system enhanced its on-road capabilities. However, the Velar's off-road prowess was limited compared to its larger siblings.

Inside the 2021 BMW X7, luxury was paramount, with features like heated and ventilated seats, premium Merino leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The X7 offered impressive comfort across all three rows, with adults able to fit comfortably in the third row. Cargo space was somewhat limited, with 48.6 cubic feet available with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed some practicality for its design. Interior space was tighter, with limited headroom and visibility. Cargo capacity was modest, offering 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating, though the Pivi Pro infotainment system was a notable improvement.

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 a host of connectivity features. Gesture control and voice recognition were also part of the package, though the former was inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful addition, albeit difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangement of functions. The system included voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation features. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system and a variety of customizable display options, though its driving assist display was less detailed than some competitors.

The 2021 BMW X7 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The ADAS system was generally effective, though it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance in certain conditions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. safety agencies, but it performed well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.