2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles. It was praised for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and offered more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. The X7 boasted advanced technological features that outshone 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 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 such as 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium leather, and a trailer hitch, totaling $91,745. The X7's design, characterized by its large grille, 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 similarities with the X5, offering high-tech design and quality materials, though some quirks required acclimation.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color, which eliminated most chrome from its exterior. This gave the SUV a unique, almost ominous appearance. However, the GX's design was considered outdated, with its styling reminiscent of the first-generation GX 470 from 2002. Despite this, the interior quality was commendable, with Lexus's signature refinement and a quiet cabin, save for the V8 engine's roar.

The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535. While the GX's design was dated, its interior was crafted with care, offering comfort and quality. The SUV's V8 engine provided ample torque, contributing to its towing capacity, but its fuel economy was less impressive. The GX's off-road capabilities were notable, though its steering and brake pedal were less refined.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 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 X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite this, 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's performance was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. However, its handling was affected by its size and weight, with noticeable body motions even with the Dynamic Handling Package. The SUV's ride was smooth and comfortable, aided by features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering. The X7's weight was evident on highways, but it maintained speed and fluidity. On winding roads, the X7's performance was mixed, with its size becoming a hindrance in tight curves.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. The GX's performance was adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined.

The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System improved its ride quality, enhancing stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling. However, its steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, affecting smooth driving in traffic. The Off-Road Package, available with the Luxury trim, enhanced the GX's off-road capabilities with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, and the second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing it required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7's cargo space was limited, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided a comfortable driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and good visibility. The interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. However, the rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with only 11.6 cubic feet available behind it. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 46.7 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, it offered 64.7 cubic feet. The GX's side-swinging tailgate was cumbersome, especially in tight spaces.

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. Wireless charging, voice recognition, and gesture control were also available, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. A CD player and Lexus Enform connected services were also available. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, and the knobs were difficult to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was excellent. Intuitive Parking Assist was standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 BMW X7 came with standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included features like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist, which worked well overall, though there were some issues with lane-maintenance technology. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age, but it included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, which could be a drawback for some buyers.