2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of metropolitan Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and offered a prestigious presence that outshone the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator. The X7 boasted advanced technological features that were more sophisticated than those found in the Lexus LX 570, and its visual appeal was significant when compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the X7's appeal was subjective, as personal preference played a significant role in this segment.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete transformation, featuring a new exterior design, interior, powertrains, and technologies. This redesign mirrored updates to its Nissan counterpart, the Pathfinder, as both shared the Nissan D platform. The QX60's exterior changes resulted in a striking and attractive crossover SUV, with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The interior was spacious and luxurious, especially in the Autograph trim, which featured quilted leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The QX60 was manufactured in Tennessee, showcasing high craftsmanship and build quality.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology added a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite a slight drop in fuel economy compared to the previous year, the X7 delivered a smooth and powerful driving experience, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The Dynamic Handling Package improved maneuverability and stability, although the SUV's weight and size were noticeable on winding roads.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which provided a superior driving experience compared to the previous CVT. The QX60's suspension was reworked for a smoother ride, and its electric power steering offered good feedback. The SUV delivered a comfortable and serene ride, with ample space for passengers in the second and third rows. While not designed for off-road adventures, the QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated rear seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The front seats provided exceptional comfort, and the second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable. The third-row seats were surprisingly spacious for adults, although accessing them required some maneuvering of the power seats. The X7's cargo space was limited, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 provided a spacious and versatile interior, with storage options and charging ports throughout the cabin. The second-row seats could slide and fold for easy access to the third row, which offered ample space for adults. The QX60's cargo capacity was 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The SUV also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both with 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro. Wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were also available, although the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came with a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. A WiFi hotspot, multiple USB charge points, and a wireless charging pad were standard on higher trims. The navigation system, Infiniti InTouch services, and Amazon Alexa integration were also available. The Autograph trim featured a head-up display and a smart rearview mirror, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety features, with additional options in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The package offered features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. The X7's ADAS was effective, although it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance and automated lane changes.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous model received high safety ratings. The QX60 included a comprehensive set of airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward emergency braking, predictive forward-collision warning, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except Pure, with additional optional safety features available.