2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing a more characterful appearance. The XC90 retained Volvo's signature boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines and more chrome detailing, it offered a fresh take on the brand's conservative image. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a distinctive touch. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that commanded attention on the road. The X7's interior quality surpassed that of many competitors, offering a sense of prestige and technological sophistication. The massive kidney grille, while controversial, suited the X7's large SUV stature. Inside, the X7 shared design elements with the X5, featuring high-tech materials and mostly intuitive controls. The test vehicle, equipped with premium features like 22-inch aluminum wheels and extended leather upholstery, provided a lavish experience. The X7's styling and interior appointments positioned it as a top contender in the luxury SUV segment, offering a blend of traditional BMW cues and modern glamor.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional, while the T6 and T8 had standard AWD. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin, but its towing capacity lagged behind some rivals.

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 X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite the technology, the X7's fuel economy ratings dropped slightly compared to the previous year. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, showcasing its power. However, the X7's handling was hindered by excessive body motions, even with the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The X7 excelled in comfort and smoothness, with features like Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering enhancing the driving experience. The X7's performance was impressive, but its weight and size affected its agility on tighter roads.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a three-row configuration with six or seven seats, depending on the choice of second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile created a spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with all seats down. The XC90 included a hands-free power tailgate for convenience.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was a testament to luxury, with features like heated front seats, armrests, and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row captain's chairs offered exceptional comfort, though the long rear doors posed challenges in tight parking spaces. The X7's third row accommodated adults comfortably, with a five-zone climate control system ensuring individual comfort. The power clamshell tailgate revealed limited cargo space behind the third row, but folding the seats expanded capacity to 48.6 cubic feet, and with the second row down, it reached 90.4 cubic feet. While not class-leading, the X7's cargo space was practical for most needs.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, though the lack of physical controls required reliance on the screen. The XC90 offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display as options. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2021 BMW X7 boasted the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both featuring 12.3-inch displays. The iDrive system gained Android Auto for 2021, complementing Apple CarPlay. Enhanced SiriusXM 360L, Connected Package Pro, and a WiFi hotspot were standard. The X7 included wireless charging and a natural voice-recognition system, though gesture control was inconsistent. The "Hey BMW" voice recognition was responsive and accurate. The iDrive system offered a user-friendly experience, but finding specific functions while driving could be distracting. The head-up display was effective, though polarized sunglasses affected visibility.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist provided smooth and quick reactions, though it struggled with highway curves.

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 evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, lane-control assist, and emergency stop assist. The X7's ADAS was accurate and smooth, though it had occasional issues with lane maintenance and automated lane changes. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist, a surround-view camera, and a drive recorder system.