Lexus NX vs BMW X7

The 2025 BMW X7, with its imposing presence, continued to capture the attention of luxury SUV enthusiasts. Despite not being as massive as some of its competitors, it maintained a bold and distinctive look, especially after its 2023 facelift. The updated design featured stacked quad headlights and an illuminated grille, which, while not universally praised for elegance, certainly set it apart from the smaller X5. The exterior was further enhanced by large wheels and sporty design elements, particularly in the M Sport Package, which added a touch of aggressiveness. Inside, the X7 offered a mix of luxurious and flashy details, such as carbon-fiber trim and crystal controls, though some of these features were optional, leaving the base interior feeling less premium.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX presented a more refined and cohesive design. While not as traditionally handsome as some rivals, it avoided the awkwardness seen in other models. The NX's design elements, including its spindle grille and LED lighting, were well-integrated, giving it a fresh appearance. The NX offered various powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, catering to different preferences. However, the base NX 350's interior, particularly in the F Sport Handling trim, felt more akin to a high-end Toyota than a luxury vehicle, lacking the expected level of refinement. Despite this, the NX maintained its appeal through its brand reputation and a focus on comfort and quietness, although it struggled with ride quality and performance.

The 2025 BMW X7 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the xDrive40i, which featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The M60i xDrive variant boasted a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 4.5-second zero to 60 mph time. For those seeking even more performance, the Alpina XB7 delivered 631 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. The X7's sophisticated chassis technology, including rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension, contributed to its nimble handling and comfortable ride, making it a well-rounded luxury SUV.

The 2026 Lexus NX, on the other hand, offered a variety of powertrain options, but the standard NX 350 F Sport's turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, left much to be desired. Its 6.6-second zero to 60 mph time was respectable, but the engine's coarse note and the sluggish eight-speed automatic transmission detracted from the driving experience. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling performance figures, with the latter achieving 304 horsepower and a 6-second zero to 60 mph time. However, the NX's chassis tuning and ride quality fell short, with firm dampers and lifeless steering making for an unengaging drive.

The 2025 BMW X7 provided ample interior space, available in six or seven-seat configurations. It offered more headroom in the front and second rows compared to some competitors, though legroom was slightly less generous. The X7 excelled in cargo space, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 90.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. However, the space behind the third row was limited. The X7's towing capacity of 7,500 pounds was competitive, though not class-leading. Its split tailgate design and air suspension made loading and unloading easier, adding to its practicality.

The 2026 Lexus NX, while competitive in passenger space, had some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. The front seats felt constrained, and visibility was hindered by the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing behind competitors. The NX's towing capacity of 2,000 pounds was also below average. Despite these limitations, the NX offered practical features like large cupholders and a digital rearview mirror to improve visibility.

The 2025 BMW X7 featured a sophisticated BMW Curved Display setup, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The iDrive infotainment system, based on version 8.5, was user-friendly, with a rotary controller and real buttons for ease of use. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a natural-language voice recognition system, enhanced the tech experience, though the voice recognition struggled in the X7. Additional features included digital-key functionality and augmented reality navigation, though gesture control proved more trouble than it was worth.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with a standard 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch display available on higher trims. All models featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Optional tech included wireless charging, a head-up display, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The NX's voice recognition system, while helpful, had limitations, and the climate control interface could be improved. The instrument cluster efficiently presented information, though it resembled older analog displays.

The 2025 BMW X7 offered a range of driver-assist features, though not all were standard. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, park assist, and lane-keep assist were included, while adaptive cruise control and BMW's Highway Assistant system were part of an optional package. Highway Assistant managed acceleration and braking, but wasn't as advanced as Cadillac's Super Cruise. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time.

The 2026 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping features, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional features like park assist and a 360-degree camera system were available. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, though it missed the highest rating due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test. NHTSA ratings were not yet published.