2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a blockbuster first impression, emphasizing its significant size unapologetically. The massive grille, LED daytime running lights, and rear taillights were scaled up to match its bulk, with the latter giving a subtle nod to the sky-high tailfins of vintage Cadillacs. The front end, with its tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights, evoked the image of a diesel locomotive more than a traditional SUV. This design helped distinguish the Escalade from other GM full-size SUVs, a clear divergence from older models that often lacked this unique flair. Even with 22-inch wheels, they seemed modest against the sprawling expanse of sheet metal they adorned.

The Escalade's exterior also varied between trim levels; the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featured bright exterior trim and wheels, whereas the Sport model flaunted darkened trim, including an aggressive mesh grille. Despite riding on the same body-on-frame architecture as other GM full-size SUVs and pickup trucks, the Escalade kept its luxury clientele satisfied over the years. Its premium identity remained clear while sharing underpinnings with more utilitarian models like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon, and even the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 lineup.

Inside, the Escalade ticked off all luxury requisites, such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and a vast panoramic sunroof. However, it missed cohesive interior design, lacking an aesthetic theme as defined as the Lincoln Navigator’s midcentury-modern vibe. Additionally, while the materials used were generally upscale, there were still signs of cost-cutting in the form of some cheap-looking plastic elements.

For the 2023 BMW X7, the mid-cycle update brought significant changes, particularly to the front fascia. Adopting a bolder persona akin to the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan, the new front featured LED accent lights where the old headlights resided, with the actual headlights recessed below. The previous X7's oversized kidney grille had already split opinions, and the 2023 restyle continued to push boundaries. BMW aimed for a bolder design, achieving added presence but possibly at the expense of aesthetic grace and cohesiveness.

While the front restyling was contentious, the sides and rear remained mostly unchanged, potentially satisfying those opposed to the new face. The base Design Pure Excellence model highlighted chrome exterior trims, while the M Sport package added menacing dark finishes. Inside, the 2023 X7 received a noticeable refresh. The dash featured a curved glass sheet housing both the digital instrument panel and the central infotainment touchscreen, with a narrow piano black trim strip extending from the center air vents. The center console’s gear shift was updated to a toggle switch-like selector over the previous crystal lever.

Material quality within the X7 was stellar, boasting supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute covering the dash and doors. However, some interior trim options like glossy wood and carbon fiber caused harsh reflections under bright sunlight, prompting a recommendation towards matte and open-pore wood finishes that added warmth and tactile satisfaction. Even as a large vehicle, the X7’s build quality ensured no creaks or unsettling noises, displaying a tightly put-together cabin that complemented its modern and elegant interior update, despite vexations with its new front-end styling.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade packed a punch with two powertrain options predominately shared with other GM SUVs and trucks. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, capable of considerable force on the road. For a nominal extra cost, GM offered the Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine, which, while producing a lower 277 hp, matched the V8’s 460 lb-ft torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Escalade came with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive.

Testing the diesel variant highlighted significant enjoyment despite its lower horsepower. The turbocharged diesel’s power delivery was smooth, with a low torque peak at 1,500 rpm enhancing initial pull-off, although stopping was less confidence-inspiring due to a hard brake pedal. Regarding towing, the gasoline engine slightly edged out with a max capacity of 8,200 pounds, while the diesel managed 8,100 pounds. This fell short compared to the Lincoln Navigator’s 8,700 pounds.

However, the Escalade’s ride remained a sticking point. Despite standard independent rear suspension and available air suspension with Magnetic Ride Control dampers, the overall ride felt unsettled. Body-on-frame construction rendered it less composed than unibody SUV rivals and stiff competition like the Navigator and Grand Wagoneer. Road imperfections sent tremors through the cabin, detracting from a luxurious riding experience. Unlike its GM cousins, the Escalade was devoid of serious off-road capabilities, directing buyers towards alternatives like the Range Rover or Lexus LX for rugged luxury.

The 2023 BMW X7 brought a fresh lineup beginning with the base xDrive40i model. This featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, combining for 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, an increase over its predecessor by 40 hp and 52 lb-ft. BMW claimed this all-wheel drive variant would deliver 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Focusing on the X7 M60i model, it upgraded to a 523 hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a similar hybrid system, producing 553 lb-ft of torque, translating to a swift 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission driving all wheels.

Even with its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 hid its mass well when driving. The V8 provided potent acceleration, satisfying most performance expectations handily, though the base six-cylinder engine proved capable for most drivers despite not being as silky in delivering power. The brake pedal’s soft feedback appropriately matched the vehicle class, offering reassurance rather than abrupt stops.

BMW’s handling, while limited by the X7's significant weight and ride height, controlled body roll effectively in corners, without the body leaning excessively or rebounding uncomfortably. Thus, the X7 provided a composed and confident driving experience, even if not sporty on twisty roads. Balancing firmness and comfort, the X7 managed to smooth out most road imperfections, albeit at a slightly firmer stance compared to other premium SUVs, characteristic of BMW’s driver-centric, engaging drive philosophy.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, sharing its foundation with other GM full-size SUVs, offered a spacious cabin and cargo volume. The standard Escalade, at 211.9 inches long, eclipsed its contemporaries in interior room, particularly excelling in first-row and third-row legroom. The ESV version stretched even further to 227 inches, enhancing cargo and passenger space.

With second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 power split-folding third-row bench as standard, the setup ensured versatility in passenger seating. An optional power-folding second-row bench was also available. Cargo capacity stood impressively at 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 63.0 cubic feet with it folded down, and a vast 109.1 cubic feet with both rear rows down, trumping rivals like the Lincoln Navigator.

While spatially generous, the Escalade experienced some minor functionality drawbacks. The raised central console offered limited storage, challenging easy placement of loose items. Though equipped with 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support (admittedly delisted temporally due to chip shortages), the seats themselves mirrored those of less prestigious GM models. Yet, notable details such as dedicated seat heating/ventilation buttons and sizable sun visors showcased attention to practical concerns.

The 2023 BMW X7 justified expectations of spaciousness, particularly for second-row passengers who found ample room, enhanced by large sunshades and windows. Accessing the third row, facilitated by a power-operated middle row that tilts and slides, created a considerable opening albeit the process took some time. Once there, the third row accommodated adults reasonably well with adequate head- and legroom, although thigh support was lower and space became tight with multiple adults.

Cargo space addressed practical needs, albeit behind the Escalade. With 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, extending to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row down, and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with both rear rows stowed, the X7 offered versatility though less capacity compared to the Escalade. The split tailgate helped manage items on inclines or heavy loads, further featured an available suspension-lowering system for easier loading.

The X7 offered smart design solutions within passenger space, with practical storage options for front-seat passengers, including large bins, cupholders, and door pockets, ensuring passengers’ personal effects were well accommodated.

Technology played a significant role in the 2022 Cadillac Escalade, featuring one of the most intricate infotainment setups on the market. Its 38-inch curved OLED display system comprised three interconnected screens; a 14.2-inch instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch central touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch control screen primarily for trip-computer functions. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.

Cadillac integrated the display seamlessly into the dashboard, with icons carefully arranged to maximize functionality while maintaining aesthetic synergy. Physical toggles for essential functions like climate control were wisely retained. However, certain user interface aspects like the radio station carousel were visually impressive but awkward in practical use. The rotary controller also seemed redundant compared to BMW's robust system, and Cadillac's infotainment still lagged behind BMW and Mercedes's natural language voice recognition systems.

A key technological strength lay in its high-resolution OLED screens when using a standard 360-degree camera system and rearview camera mirror. Additionally, the Escalade introduced sophisticated options such as night vision and augmented-reality navigation. While boasting a 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system as standard, tuning proved challenging, with speakers in the headrests distorting the soundscape for front occupants.

The 2023 BMW X7 showcased BMW's latest iDrive infotainment system. Historically praised for its intuitive layout, the latest iteration took minor steps backward. Basic functions like temperature and audio controls were user-friendly, but more complex operations like seat heating or adjusting adaptive cruise control became cumbersome, relegated to convoluted menu navigation on the screen.

BMW attempted to mitigate these issues with voice commands, yet while practical for navigation or messaging, it felt like a band-aid solution, particularly as voice command responsiveness took several seconds and interrupted media playback. More physical buttons for frequent features would enhance usability substantially.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with an extensive suite of standard driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking (front and rear), lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Many alerts were communicated through Cadillac’s vibrating Safety Alert Seat. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and trailer blind-spot monitoring.

One standout feature was the optional Super Cruise, a $2,500 add-on, excluding the base model. Regarded as one of the most advanced driver-assist systems, Super Cruise allowed hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways (200,000 miles worth in the U.S. and Canada, by Cadillac’s claim), using a driver-facing camera to ensure attentiveness. Despite occasional disengagement on certain stretches, Super Cruise’s smooth and natural system responses impressed, serving as a crucial aid in handling the vehicle’s large mass.

Unfortunately, the Escalade lacked published crash safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, limiting official validation of its protective capabilities.

For the 2023 BMW X7, despite the absence of IIHS and NHTSA crash test results, BMW’s strong safety reputation coupled with an extensive array of safety features promised significant protection. Standard systems included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and automatic high beams. Additional safety was inferred from available features like a surround-view camera, lane-keep assist, forward cross-traffic alerts, and semi-automated parking.

Particular praise went to the highway driving assist feature, alleviating driver strain over long distances. It efficiently managed tasks while requiring the driver to stay attentive and ready to take over promptly. No intrusive alarms or erratic behavior were noted during testing, underscoring consistent reliability across safety systems.