2022 Nissan Altima vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued to evolve from its earlier generations, maintaining a sporty and sharp design that had become its hallmark since the third generation. The sixth-generation model featured a distinctive V-Motion grille, a low and wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline, which some found unnecessary. The Midnight Edition package added a gloss black sport grille, 19-inch wheels, and other blacked-out elements, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, though the quality varied across trims.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language with an oversized grille and split lighting elements, which initially divided opinions. The profile retained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end featured distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern and minimalistic interior with a curved glass housing for the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were of premium quality, with options like light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery adding a cozy feel. The rear seats offered a luxurious experience, especially with the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating package.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine with 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was limited to the SR trim with FWD. The Altima's performance was adequate for daily driving, but the base engine's acceleration was mediocre. The VC-Turbo engine provided better performance but lacked AWD compatibility. The Altima's suspension delivered a smooth and composed ride, with a quiet cabin enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two powertrains: the 740i with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the 760i xDrive with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The 740i accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the 760i xDrive achieved it in 4.1 seconds. The 7 Series provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, with responsive handling and a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The optional Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered comfortable seating for four, with a decent-sized trunk and easy-to-use controls. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4 cubic-foot trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items when closing the lid.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated doors, which could be cumbersome to use. Inside, the front seats were comfortable with ample adjustments, while the rear seats offered generous space and optional lounge seating with massage functions. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen added a wow factor but required head-turning to view. The trunk provided 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with a low liftover height for easy loading. Interior storage was adequate, with wireless charging and USB ports available for convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a 5-inch multi-function display on the entry-level S trim, while higher trims featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL trim and above included a nine-speaker Bose audio system and navigation. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance features. The tech worked seamlessly, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced iDrive 8, a feature-rich infotainment system operable via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, deeper menu navigation was complex. Voice controls helped mitigate this, though they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System delivered excellent audio quality. The optional theater screen had usability challenges, with inconsistent touchscreen inputs across apps. Overall, iDrive 8 felt less intuitive compared to previous versions.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The SV trim and above added Safety Shield 360, which included rear automatic braking and blind-spot warning. The Altima received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, with high ratings in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control and highway driving assistant performed smoothly, reducing driver fatigue on long trips. BMW planned to introduce a level 3 automated driving system in select markets, though it required additional hardware.