2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand focused solely on electric vehicles. This new model showcased a polished exterior with minimal character lines, yet upon closer inspection, it revealed a complex design with an abundance of Parametric Pixel elements. These pixelated designs were evident in all lighting features, creating a concept car-like appearance. The interior, however, contrasted with its exterior by offering a serene and comfortable "Living Space" design. The cabin featured sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder front-end design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The new styling, with LED accent lights and a recessed headlight design, was polarizing, especially with its oversized kidney grille. While the front-end changes were controversial, the sides and rear remained largely unchanged. Inside, the X7 received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The interior materials were of high quality, with options for leather upholstery and various wood trims, providing a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 303 miles. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 excelled in providing a quiet and comfortable ride, with features like acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, offering a blend of performance and comfort. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), providing a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. With a wheelbase of 118.1 inches, it surpassed the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured a moveable center console and comfortable leatherette seats, enhancing the "Living Space" theme.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers, while the third row offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. The X7 featured a split tailgate and power-folding seats, allowing for easy access and increased cargo capacity. With the third row stowed, cargo space expanded to 48.6 cubic feet, and with the middle seats folded, it reached a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet. The front seats provided ample storage for personal items, enhancing convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for improved visibility.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, while intuitive for basic functions, had its flaws. Many physical buttons were replaced with touchscreen controls, making it cumbersome to access certain features. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. The system's complexity detracted from its usability, highlighting the need for more physical buttons and intuitive menus.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, adapting to the driver's habits through machine learning. While crash-safety ratings were not available, Hyundai's reputation for safety suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety systems performed reliably during testing.