2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

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 commanding visual presence that rivaled 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 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium extended leather, and a host of luxury features, bringing its price to $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 many features with the X5, offering high-tech design and quality materials, though some quirks required getting used to.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy cars of the past, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. After being acquired by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, Volvo developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which debuted in 2016 on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 XC90 had a sleek profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athleticism. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a playful nod to its Swedish heritage, while the interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim.

Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in the XC90's interior options, offering a tailored wool blend upholstery alongside traditional Nappa leather. The test vehicle featured leather seats, which proved beneficial during a week of high temperatures and humidity. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's attention to detail, with features like a sliding wood tambor cover and a crystal gear selector handle. The XC90's design and features made it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market, appealing to those seeking a blend of style, comfort, and sustainability.

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 X7 featured BMW's eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite these advancements, 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's performance was characterized by its smooth and powerful acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. However, the SUV's handling was affected by its size and weight, with noticeable body motions even in Sport mode. The Dynamic Handling Package, which included features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering, improved maneuverability and ride comfort. The X7's driving experience was generally enjoyable, with a serene cabin and advanced suspension systems that absorbed road imperfections.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with an electric motor. The T5 produced 250 horsepower, the T6 316 horsepower, and the T8 a combined 455 horsepower. The XC90's engines used premium gasoline, with varying fuel economy ratings depending on the model. The T8's plug-in hybrid system provided an EV range of up to 36 miles and a combined rating of 66 MPGe.

The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and responsive handling. The T8 Inscription extended range model offered spirited acceleration, with the electric motor providing immediate torque and smooth power delivery. While not a high-performance vehicle, the XC90 was enjoyable to drive, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, featuring 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 space and support. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults, though 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 Volvo XC90 was available in six- and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom and support. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows down. The XC90's interior was spacious and well-designed, with ample storage options and a standard panoramic moonroof that enhanced the cabin's airy feel.

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 traffic and parking information. The X7 also offered wireless charging, a natural voice-recognition system, and gesture control, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful feature, though difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive, the system was occasionally slow to respond. The XC90 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system upgrade provided exceptional audio quality, and the XC90 offered multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot for connectivity.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, with additional options 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, enhancing the X7's safety and driving experience. While generally effective, the system occasionally struggled with lane maintenance and automated lane changes.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a wide range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, making highway driving safer and more relaxing. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in automotive safety.