2023 BMW X7 vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant design update, adopting a more assertive front-end style reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The new LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, which were now recessed, and the oversized kidney grille continued to be a point of contention. While BMW aimed for a bolder look, the result was divisive, with some finding the design lacking in grace and cohesiveness. The interior saw a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, alongside a more elemental dashboard design. The quality of materials remained high, with options for leather upholstery and a new synthetic substitute, though glossy trims were best avoided due to glare issues.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features, such as angular headlights, creating a visual link to other Land Rover models. The interior was rugged and adventure-ready, with soft-touch materials enhancing its durability. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase 130, each offering various trims. The Defender 110 S, with its County visual package, embraced a vintage aesthetic with white wheels and retro graphics. Standard features included alloy wheels, power-adjustable heated seats, and a panoramic glass roof, with options for premium leather and additional climate control features. The Defender's interior was practical, with rubberized floors and numerous cargo compartments, though the multifunctional climate control dials were a minor inconvenience.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base xDrive40i model, which featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the X7 to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and a composed ride. The suspension managed body roll effectively, though the ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, generating 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, the P500 and P525, offered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system. The most powerful V8 in the Defender 110 Carpathian Edition reached 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The P400 model provided ample power for highway driving, though there was a slight lurch at low speeds, likely due to off-road gearing.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The power-operated middle row allowed access to the third row, which could seat average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. 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 all rear seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension facilitated loading bulky items. Front-seat storage included a large center console bin, cupholders, and door pockets.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a blend of luxury and practicality, with seating capacity ranging from five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 had an optional third row, while the Defender 130 offered three seats in the third row. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 providing 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 76.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 34 cubic feet behind the second row in the two-row version and 69 cubic feet in the three-row configuration. The Defender 90 provided 15.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 58.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The cargo area featured hard plastic surfaces for easy cleaning.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was less intuitive than previous versions. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, complicating tasks like adjusting seat settings and cruise control. Voice commands offered a workaround, but they interrupted audio playback. The system's complexity detracted from the overall user experience, highlighting the need for more physical controls and intuitive menus.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, which, while smaller than some competitors, suited the Defender's utilitarian nature. The system included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo. The straightforward layout, aided by home buttons, provided a user-friendly experience without overwhelming the driver.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature effectively reduced driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender included a wide range of standard driver assistance features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree parking camera. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist systems were overly sensitive, but they could be deactivated. Like the X7, the Defender had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.