2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 Lexus RX underwent significant design modifications to differentiate it from the outgoing model without altering its overall length. It sat lower in height, boasted broader width, and featured a longer wheelbase. This revamped RX presented more cargo space than the 2022 model, though it still fell short compared to its competitors. The reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines gave the RX a more compact appearance, both in photos and in person. The down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar added a floating roof effect but also conveyed a somewhat stubby look.

Upfront, the signature spindle-style grille was better integrated, with a modern mesh texture flowing into an elevated hood sweeping back into the windshield pillars. Upswept body sides echoed the Lexus IS sedan, while the flared rear fenders, light-blade taillight design, block lettering for the brand name, and sporty bumper with simulated air vents gave the RX an eye-catching rear.

The exterior design retained familiar elements making it unmistakably a Lexus RX, but the updates offered a fresh, comparatively conservative aesthetic. Unlike the smaller Lexus NX, the RX presented a unique appeal ensuring it wasn't just a larger copy of its sibling.

Opening the digitally latched doors, one would step into a modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs. A head-up display and touchscreen displays of 9.8-inch or 14-inch accented the digital instrumentation. Despite the high-quality materials expected from Lexus, the advanced Intelligent Assistant technology faced a limited complimentary period, requiring a subscription after three years. With options of NuLuxe artificial leather and genuine leather, coupled with textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum trims, the RX’s cabin invited luxury.

Upon its release in late 2022, the lineup included the RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h, with the RX 450h+ planned for a later date. The RX 350 came in multiple trims, including Standard, Premium, and F Sport Handling, with pricing projected to align closely with the outgoing model's base price of just over $47,000.

BMW's X7 was already known for its polarizing design due to its oversized kidney grille, and the 2023 mid-cycle makeover embraced this boldness further. Adopting styling cues from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan, the new X7 housed LED accent lights where the headlights previously resided, with the actual headlights now recessed. This redesign aimed for a more striking presence, though opinions varied.

Aimed at a more adventurous style, the X7 included two trims - Design Pure Excellence with chrome exterior trim and the M Sport with a dark finish. While receiving mixed reactions for its front design, the sides and rear maintained a familiar look, offering a measure of design consistency.

Inside, the X7 revamped its dashboard with a curved sheet of glass encompassing the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The center console switched to a toggle gear selector, replacing the previous crystal lever. The cabin provided high-quality materials like supple leather upholstery and Sensafin synthetic substitutes, with a preference for matte and open-pore wood trims to avoid glare. The interior boasted a sturdy build with no audible creaks over rough terrain, highlighting BMW's commitment to quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 showcased a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite delivering less horsepower compared to the outgoing 3.5-liter V6, this turbo-four offered more torque and improved high-altitude performance, albeit with a less refined sound.

During test drives covering diverse road conditions near Santa Maria, California, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer under hard acceleration and excessive body motion over uneven surfaces. The adaptive damping suspension in the F Sport Handling trim mitigated these issues, offering a more secure ride, especially in Sport driving mode. Despite both trims riding on 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, the F Sport Handling handled better, thanks to its suspension system. Lexus cited acceleration figures of 7.5 seconds to 60 mph for the RX 350 FWD, and 7.2 seconds for the AWD variant, with anticipated combined fuel economy of 25 mpg and 24 mpg, respectively. However, real-world tests revealed slightly lower averages of 22.5 mpg and 21.8 mpg.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup commenced with the xDrive40i model, powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and 48-volt mild hybrid system, collectively generating 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain propelled the X7 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The M60i model, however, featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and similar hybrid system, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing power to all four wheels.

Despite nearly weighing 6,000 pounds, the X7 showcased agile handling, with potent acceleration from the V8 and more than adequate power from the base six-cylinder. Braking was adequate for a large luxury SUV with a soft pedal feel, while the ride comfort balanced well between performance and luxury. The X7 handled curves with confidence, minimizing body roll and maintaining composure, but remained firm enough to engage drivers seeking a dynamic experience.

The Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable experience overall, with some trade-offs based on trim. The Luxury trim offered semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel, presenting a sophisticated cabin in Peppercorn color with suede door panel accents and black open-pore wood trim. Meanwhile, the F Sport Handling trim favored sporty aesthetics with NuLuxe simulated leather seats in black or Rioja Red, coupled with Dark Graphite trim and eight-way power-adjustable seats. The rear seats were spacious and supportive, although taller passengers might find headroom limited.

Lexus improved cargo space in the new RX, although numbers remained modest for the segment. Cargo capacity measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The BMW X7 flaunted generous interior space suited for a large SUV. Second-row seats comfortably accommodated taller passengers, enhanced by large windows and a sunroof contributing to an open atmosphere. The third row, though accessible, offered slightly less thigh support and tighter lateral space, accommodating average-sized adults reasonably well. The cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the rearmost seats stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with both the middle and rear seats folded. The split tailgate eased cargo loading and created a convenient sitting bench.

The Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreens. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Drive Connect plan, complimentary for three years, bolstered the system with Intelligent Assistant and Destination Assist features, though requiring subscription thereafter. User profiles, embedded music streaming apps, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system enhanced the tech experience, despite the drawback of not displaying multiple data panels simultaneously.

BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, historically praised for its logical layout, drew mixed reviews in its latest iteration. Basic functions were straightforward, but more specific controls required menu navigation, often deterring ease of use. Voice commands offered some relief, though were not always efficient. Missing physical buttons for commonly used features and more intuitive menu structures were noted as areas needing improvement.

Lexus equipped all 2023 RX models with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive ADAS package including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous driving features like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also introduced. While LSS+ 3.0 impressed overall, issues arose with adaptive cruise controls on the HUD being unreadable with polarized sunglasses, and curve-speed reduction technology requiring refinement.

The BMW X7 included essential safety features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning as standard. Additional features like a surround-view camera system and highway driving assist were available in higher trims. Even though NHTSA and IIHS ratings were unavailable, the X7’s robust safety suite instilled confidence in its protective capabilities during real-world operation.