2023 BMW X7 vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was at the front, where LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, now tucked beneath in a recess. The oversized kidney grille remained a polarizing feature, and the new styling continued to spark debate. While BMW aimed for a bolder design, the result was a more imposing presence that some found lacking in grace and cohesiveness. The sides and rear of the X7 remained largely unchanged, offering a sense of relief to those who preferred the previous design. Inside, the X7's interior received a refresh, with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The dashboard featured a more elemental design, and the center console introduced a toggle switch-like gear selector. The interior materials were of high quality, with leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior was well-built, with no creaking on bumpy roads, and the revisions gave it a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 offered a choice of three powertrains, including the XC60 B5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology, and the XC60 B6 with a turbocharged, supercharged, and mild-hybrid engine. The XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged PHEV powertrain, providing an estimated 35 miles of electric driving. Prices ranged from just under $46,000 to over $76,000, with trim levels including Core, Plus, Ultimate, and PHEV-only Polestar Engineered. The XC60 Recharge in Ultimate spec with the Dark exterior theme looked impressive, with Thunder Grey paint, a Climate Package, air suspension, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The interior showcased classic Scandinavian minimalism, with black leather, wood trim, metal accents, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The XC60 Recharge Ultimate's design was praised for its opulence and attention to detail.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base X7 xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 40 hp and 52 lb-ft over the previous year's engine. BMW claimed this powertrain could propel the X7 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well on the road, with potent acceleration from the V8. The base six-cylinder engine was adequate for most drivers, though not as smooth. The brake pedal felt appropriate for a large luxury SUV, and handling was limited by the X7's weight and ride height but remained composed. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on engaging driving dynamics.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, while an electric motor powered the rear wheels. This setup produced a combined 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The XC60 Recharge offered several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, accessible through the 9-inch touchscreen. In Pure mode, the XC60 Recharge provided an estimated 35 miles of electric driving range. Volvo claimed it could reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, making it exceptionally quick. The drivetrain refresh in mid-2022 made the XC60 Recharge the most powerful in Volvo's history. The XC60 Recharge's electric motor displayed a torque-vectoring effect in Hybrid mode, enhancing driving enjoyment. The XC60 Recharge averaged 54.6 mpg on a 65-mile evaluation route, showcasing its efficiency. The one-pedal driving system and regenerative brakes extended the battery's charge, while Charge mode allowed the gas engine to recharge the battery during driving.

The 2023 BMW X7, as a large SUV, offered ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats comfortably accommodated taller passengers, and the large sunroof and windows enhanced the airy feeling. Accessing the third row required some time as the power-operated middle row slid and tilted out of the way, but it provided a large opening once moved. The third row could hold average-sized adults with adequate head- and legroom, though the seat cushion was lower, reducing thigh support. Behind the third row, there was 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable 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 had ample storage space, with a large covered bin in the center console, a wireless charging pad, and well-sized cupholders.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, as a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for carrying four people, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats provided outstanding comfort, wrapped in soft Nappa leather upholstery with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The back seats were also comfortable, though legroom was tight for taller passengers. The large panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space. Storage space was decent, with practical spots in the center console and wide door panel bins. The XC60 Recharge offered 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded. A power liftgate was standard, and the cargo area included a netted space for the charging cord. The air suspension allowed for easier loading, and a ski pass-through panel was available.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which represented a step backward in some ways. While basic functions like temperature adjustments and audio controls were easy to use, many physical buttons were eliminated, with their functions moved to the infotainment screen. This made tasks like adjusting seat settings or adaptive cruise control more complicated. BMW attempted to address this with voice commands, but they took time to process and interrupted audio playback. More physical buttons and intuitive menus would have been appreciated.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 came with a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch infotainment system with Google Built-in. The infotainment system offered four years of complimentary access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. It supported both Android and Apple CarPlay, with additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Wi-Fi access. The 9-inch touchscreen had excellent graphics and a simple interface, with a volume knob and tuning buttons for easy operation. The voice-recognition system was impressive, though it occasionally required specific phrasing. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system was sensational, though expensive, while the Ultimate package included a Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2023 BMW X7 did not have crash test results from the NHTSA or IIHS, which was common for premium luxury vehicles. However, BMW's reputation and a comprehensive list of safety features ensured passenger protection. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward cross-traffic alerts, and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was synonymous with safety, offering a comprehensive suite of features. The Ultimate trim included Pilot Assist, Volvo's advanced driver-assistance system, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. Pilot Assist excelled on multi-lane freeways, providing smooth and accurate performance. The XC60 also featured Oncoming Lane Mitigation to avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. While the NHTSA had not assessed the XC60 Recharge, the B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top marks. The IIHS awarded the XC60 B5 and B6 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, with potential updates for 2023.