2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes that enhanced its sporty appearance. The new front fascia featured "air blades" on either side of the grille, while a redesigned rear bumper concealed the tailpipes. New wheel designs were introduced across all models, and the front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, including the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 BMW X7 received a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, and the oversized kidney grille remained a polarizing feature. While the new styling aimed for a bolder look, it sacrificed some grace and cohesiveness. The sides and rear of the X7 remained largely unchanged, with two design themes available: the chrome-trimmed Design Pure Excellence and the dark-finished M Sport. Inside, the dashboard was refreshed with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The center console featured a new toggle switch-like gear selector. Interior materials were of premium quality, with leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior revisions gave it a modern and elegant appearance, despite the controversial front-end styling.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The XC60 B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively in AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features included a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The X7's V8 engine provided potent acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while the base six-cylinder achieved it in 5.8 seconds. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with managed body roll and a composed ride. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on engaging driving dynamics. Overall, the X7 offered a blend of performance and comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom, tying with the Audi Q5 for the worst in its segment. Legroom was average in both rows. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in interior space, with ample room for second-row passengers and an airy feel enhanced by a large sunroof and windows. Accessing the third row required some time due to the power-operated middle row, but it offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers enjoyed ample storage space, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air software updates were also enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though without Google profile syncing. The infotainment redesign featured a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access, and the digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout for basic functions, had flaws. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, complicating tasks like adjusting seat settings and adaptive cruise control. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. The system's reliance on voice controls seemed like a patch for the lack of physical buttons and intuitive menus.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option.

The 2023 BMW X7 had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature effectively reduced driver fatigue on long trips.