2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its design with other Volvo models, featuring an elegant two-box design with short overhangs and a distinctive upright grille adorned with the iconic iron mark logo. The Thor’s hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a unique Swedish touch. The interior was a showcase of Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, initially a novelty, had become a familiar and appreciated feature by 2021. The XC60's interior details, such as the elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures, elevated it to near-luxury status, making it a delightful space for occupants.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 was a symbol of luxury and prestige, often seen as a superior choice compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The X7's styling was bold, with a massive grille that suited its large SUV frame, and it exuded traditional BMW cues with a touch of glamour. Inside, the X7 shared similarities with the X5 but offered a more luxurious experience. The interior was equipped with high-quality materials, intuitive controls, and advanced technology, providing a comfortable and sophisticated environment. The X7's design and features made it a top contender in the luxury SUV segment, appealing to those seeking a blend of performance and opulence.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models delivered 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The T6 models, with a turbocharger and supercharger, produced 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the T8 models, as plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor to achieve 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further enhanced performance to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and agile driving experience, making it a solid choice for road trips. Fuel economy varied from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8 PHEV.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i 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 eBoost mild-hybrid technology added a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite the technology, the X7's fuel economy was slightly lower than the previous year, with 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, showcasing its power. However, the SUV's weight and body motions affected driving enjoyment, despite the Dynamic Handling Package's efforts to improve stability. The X7 excelled in providing a smooth and serene ride, with advanced suspension systems ensuring comfort on various road conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling harsh winter conditions. The interior offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it user-friendly even in cold weather. The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2021 BMW X7, equipped with luxury packages, offered a decadent interior with heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The front seats provided exceptional comfort, while the second-row captain's chairs were equally accommodating. The third-row seats were surprisingly spacious for adults, although accessing them required some seat adjustments. The X7's cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though it fell short of class leaders.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system's portrait orientation and familiar gestures appealed to frequent tablet users, but it required a learning curve. The system offered smartphone integration, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality, enhancing the overall experience.

In the 2021 BMW X7, the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system paired with Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation, both featuring 12.3-inch displays. The 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, natural voice recognition, and gesture control, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful feature, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, enhancing safety and convenience. The XC60's top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety reasons, and the T8 Polestar Engineered model featured distinctive gold safety belts.

The 2021 BMW X7 included a range of standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The package added advanced driving assistance systems like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist, which generally performed well. However, there were instances where the lane-maintenance system struggled with certain road conditions. The Parking Assistance Package offered semi-automated parking and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.