2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of design elements, sitting somewhere between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional styling of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It featured Cadillac’s signature design cues, such as a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. However, this combination resulted in an awkward mix with the XT5’s compact size and tall profile, making it unmistakably a Cadillac, albeit an ungainly one. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered slightly different exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome for a traditional look and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille for a sportier appearance. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, leaving little to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most significant change was at the front, where LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, and the actual headlights were tucked underneath. This new styling was polarizing, with the oversized kidney grille remaining a controversial feature. The sides and rear of the X7 retained their previous design, offering a sense of familiarity. The interior received a refresh, with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and central infotainment touchscreen, and a more elemental dashboard design. The interior materials were of excellent quality, with supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some harsh reflections from glossy trim choices, the X7's interior was sturdily built, providing a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6-equipped Premium Luxury test car felt reasonably quick, with linear power delivery and smooth, quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, providing a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited to a luxury vehicle, offering a quick ratio for nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The cabin was impressively quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well on the road, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate power from the six-cylinder. The brake pedal felt appropriate for a large luxury SUV, and body roll was well-managed when cornering. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other premium luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement. Overall, the X7 offered a good blend of performance and comfort.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered favorable interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, though less than the BMW X3. It trailed all three in rear headroom but provided more legroom in both rows. The seats were fairly comfortable but could have used more padding, especially in the rear. The XT5 boasted 30 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen offered additional storage.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some time as the power-operated middle row moved out of the way, but it offered a large opening. The third row could hold an average-sized adult, though thigh support was limited. Behind the third row, there were 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 X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage space, with a large covered bin in the center console and well-sized cupholders.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster display and a head-up display were available with the optional Technology Package. While usability was improved over previous Cadillac systems, it remained merely adequate compared to other luxury brands. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome, with a rotary controller and poorly placed capacitive touchpads. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was a step backward in some ways. Basic functions like temperature adjustments and audio controls were easy to use, but many physical buttons were eliminated, requiring navigation through the infotainment screen for features like heated seats and adaptive cruise control settings. Voice commands were available but took time to process and interrupted audio playback. While voice controls were useful for navigation and texting, the lack of physical buttons and intuitive menus was a drawback.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear park assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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