2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Lexus NX

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 boasted more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. The X7 also offered advanced technological features that outshone the Lexus LX 570 and had a significant visual presence 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 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, was unmistakably a Lexus with its distinctive spindle grille and refined styling details. It offered more passenger and cargo space than its predecessor, with a minimalist interior design that was a departure from the previous model's button-heavy dashboard. The NX 350 F Sport and Luxury trims provided unique styling elements and features, such as sport-bolstered seats and a panoramic sunroof. However, the integration of many functions into the touchscreen could be challenging for drivers to navigate quickly.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It was equipped with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to improve fuel economy, though the EPA ratings showed a slight decrease compared to the previous year. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and offered a smooth and serene driving experience, with features like the Dynamic Handling Package enhancing its performance. However, the SUV's weight and body motions could detract from driving enjoyment on winding roads.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h providing 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ delivering 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The F Sport trim added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its driving dynamics. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, and while it was a dynamic improvement over the previous model, the engine's refinement fell short of German rivals.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a five-zone climate control system, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, and the third-row seat could accommodate adults, though accessing it required some maneuvering. The X7 provided 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seats folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats down, though these figures were not class-leading.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14% compared to the previous model, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

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. It also offered wireless smartphone charging, a natural voice-recognition system, and gesture control, though the latter could be inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful feature, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems were responsive, though the large touchscreen could be prone to fingerprints and reflections.

The 2021 BMW X7 came with standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included features like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist, while the Parking Assistance Package offered semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera. The X7's ADAS was generally impressive, though it had some limitations in certain situations.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added features like rear pedestrian detection and an adaptive front lighting system.