2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, capturing attention with its luxurious design. Its sleek, sporty profile was a nod to the larger Range Rover, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and the iconic Land Rover grille. The Velar's design was both blocky and streamlined, with unique elements like pop-out door handles and taillight lenses that created an illusion of depth. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and a polished black center stack, offering a sophisticated driving environment.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a bold redesign, adopting a more aggressive front-end style reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The new LED accent lights and oversized kidney grille were polarizing, but the sides and rear retained a familiar look. Inside, the X7 featured a refreshed dashboard with a curved glass housing for the digital displays and a toggle switch gear selector. The interior materials were top-notch, with options for matte and open-pore wood trims that added warmth and elegance.

The 2022 Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. It came with a base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 247 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered up to 395 horsepower. The Velar's ride was smooth, especially with the optional air suspension, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 BMW X7 started with a base 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 375 horsepower, and featured a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X7 M60i model boasted a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 horsepower. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 offered impressive acceleration and composed handling. The ride was slightly firmer than some luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement.

The Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's controls were criticized for their complexity, particularly the parking brake system, which was integrated with the transmission button.

The X7 provided ample space, especially in the second row, with a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. The third row was accessible via power-operated middle seats, offering adequate space for adults. Cargo capacity was generous, with 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading easier.

The Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The X7's latest iDrive system was less intuitive, with many functions moved to the touchscreen. Voice commands were available but not always efficient. The system lacked physical buttons for frequently used features, which could be frustrating for users.

The Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies but scored well in European tests. It came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The X7 lacked U.S. crash test ratings but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system and highway driving assist, which performed reliably during testing.