Cadillac Escalade ESV vs BMW X7

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for the model year. It was notably longer, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to a longer wheelbase of 134.1 inches. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spokes depending on the trim. The vehicle's exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, power-extending assist steps, and a panoramic moonroof, contributing to its upscale look.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, particularly in lighter color schemes, where the use of hard plastics detracted from its luxury appeal. Despite its high price point, the dashboard area lacked distinctive trimmings. The vehicle offered a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, but the overall interior design fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2021 BMW X7, on the other hand, was a standout in its class, offering superior interior quality compared to the Cadillac Escalade. It exuded prestige and technological sophistication, surpassing competitors like the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator. The X7 was available in three versions, with the xDrive40i starting at $74,900, the M50i at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7 at $141,300. The test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, featured premium extended leather, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and an Alcantara suede headliner, among other luxurious touches. The X7's styling was appealing, with traditional BMW cues and a massive grille that suited its large SUV stature. Inside, it shared design elements with the X5, offering high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The X7's interior was both comfortable and technologically advanced, making it a top choice for those seeking a luxurious SUV experience.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The V8 engine provided sufficient power, but the Escalade ESV's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, could challenge its performance, especially when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA for the ESV, but the traditional Escalade achieved an estimated 17 to 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It was equipped with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. The X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and a second battery to enhance fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite this, the X7's fuel economy ratings dropped slightly compared to the previous year, achieving 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7's performance was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, but its handling was affected by its weight, especially on winding roads. The Dynamic Handling Package improved maneuverability and stability, while the M Sport brakes provided reliable stopping power.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed as a spacious and comfortable people and cargo hauler. It featured leatherette seating surfaces as standard, with leather upholstery available. The interior boasted 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and other premium features. The Escalade ESV offered ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was suitable for occasional adult use. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, although it sometimes required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient but occasionally unreliable.

The 2021 BMW X7 provided a luxurious interior with features like heated front seats, armrests, and a heated steering wheel. The test vehicle included the Cold Weather Package, Luxury Seating Package, and premium Merino leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, and the second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable. The X7 offered a four-zone automatic climate control system, with an available five-zone system for third-row occupants. The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, although accessing it required some seat adjustments. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological marvel, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional upgrade to a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It offered wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The highlight was a curved 38-inch OLED screen, comprising three screens that displayed driver information and infotainment content. The OLED technology provided deep blacks and crisp graphics, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing hands-free driving on select highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, such as construction zones or sudden changes in lighting. The lane-change technology was effective but sometimes slow to respond in heavy traffic.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured BMW's Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation paired with the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system. Both utilized 12.3-inch displays, with iDrive offering a touchscreen interface. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, enhanced SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro with real-time traffic data and parking information. Wireless smartphone charging and a natural voice-recognition system were standard, along with gesture control, although the latter was occasionally inconsistent. The iDrive system was user-friendly, but navigating its features while driving could be distracting. The test vehicle also had a head-up display, although it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, lane-keep assist, and night vision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety technologies, with optional packages like the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package added features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were generally effective, although there were occasional issues with lane-maintenance technology in certain situations. The Parking Assistance Package offered semi-automated parallel parking assist and a surround-view camera.