2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others were all-wheel-drive. The exterior design was slightly more aggressive, featuring a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar for a unique look. The adaptive full LED headlights were slimmer, and the taillights had a new design with a black surround and claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear was updated with larger exhaust tips and a new bumper, complemented by an M Sport Package for certain models. The X3 offered nine finishes, including new metallic colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior was well-appointed with dark oak wood trim, power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery was standard, with Vernasca leather as an option. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations added to the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 BMW X7 received a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design similar to the BMW 7 Series sedan. The LED accent lights were repositioned, and the oversized kidney grille remained a polarizing feature. The interior saw a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The center console featured a new gear selector, and the materials used were of high quality, with leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior was well-built, with no creaking on bumpy roads. Despite the controversial exterior styling, the interior revisions gave it a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. The fuel economy for the sDrive30i was 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i had a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system provided a smoother start/stop operation but did not improve fuel economy.

The 2023 BMW X7 started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate performance from the six-cylinder. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, but it offered a good blend of performance and comfort.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing enough cargo room for backpacks and equipment. The power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening. The SensaTec seats were comfortable, with the Vernasca leather offering more softness. The X3's sport seats were supportive, and the redesigned center console improved ergonomics. The standard infotainment system was 10.25 inches, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The controls were positioned for easy access, and the matte finish maintained a smudge-free appearance.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Behind the third row, there was 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The split tailgate and suspension-lowering button added convenience. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage space, with a large center console bin and well-sized cupholders.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. It offered navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged the screens to 12.3 inches. A 12-speaker HiFi sound system was standard, with a Harman Kardon surround sound system available for M40i models. The Convenience Package added keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support, while the Premium Package included heated seats and a head-up display.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with the latest iDrive iteration, which had a more complex menu structure. Many physical buttons were eliminated, with functions moved to the infotainment screen. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. The system was less intuitive, and more physical buttons would have been appreciated for frequently used features.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus and a 360-degree camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, front cross-traffic alert, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2023 BMW X7's crash test results were not available, but it offered a comprehensive list of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, and parking sensors. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and highway driving assist. The safety features performed well, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.