2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Lexus RX

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 boasted a prestigious aura that outshone the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator. The X7's technological sophistication was a step above the Lexus LX 570, and its visual presence was more commanding than 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 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 Lexus RX continued to impress with its modern and sporty design, following a facelift in 2020. It was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L, with a hybrid option in the RX 450h. The RX was known for its aggressive styling, particularly in the F Sport trim, which added performance-oriented features and a more athletic appearance. The RX's exterior design was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating a satisfying yet eye-catching look. The interior of the RX maintained a luxury appeal, with the F Sport trim adding a sporty vibe. However, the RX's center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less comfortable than expected. The RX was also available in a limited-edition Black Line trim, offering exclusive design elements and a premium look.

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. It featured 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 a second 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. However, its handling was affected by excessive body motions, even with the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The X7 excelled in comfort, with a smooth ride and advanced suspension systems, but its nearly 5,400-pound curb weight was noticeable on highways and canyon roads.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and hesitant acceleration. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the driving experience remained largely unchanged between drive modes. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and isolated road noise. The RX 350 achieved 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h hybrid offered improved fuel efficiency with 30 mpg combined.

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 provided ample comfort. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, although accessing it required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7's cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the standard two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered limited space, with the third row best suited for short trips. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The L models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area had a high load-in height.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both with 12.3-inch displays. The iDrive system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro with real-time data and remote services. Wireless charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were also available, although the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver in 2020 but remained ergonomically challenging. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, the latter being particularly frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including USB ports, smartphone integration, wireless charging, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity and personalization options.

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 advanced systems like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist, which were generally effective but had occasional issues with lane maintenance. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights but received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.