2022 Subaru WRX vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 Subaru WRX presented a more understated design compared to its predecessors, with a subtle front end featuring a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. The car's profile was less cluttered, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. The rear fenders flared dramatically, and the taillights were designed to resemble illuminated magma. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with sporty elements like a flat-bottom steering wheel and carbon-fiber-pattern trim, making it feel more modern and distinct from other Subaru models.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language with an oversized grille and split lighting elements, which initially divided opinions. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end featured distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern and minimalistic interior with a futuristic curved glass housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials used were of premium quality, with options like light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery adding a cozy feel. The rear seats offered a luxurious experience, especially with the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating package.

The 2022 Subaru WRX was equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The manual transmission was praised for its precision and ease of use, while the CVT offered faster shift times. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride quality, even on rough roads, and reduced body roll in corners.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two powertrains: the base 740i with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the 760i xDrive with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The 760i xDrive accelerated to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, offering a sporty yet comfortable driving experience. The ride quality was slightly stiffer than competitors, but the air suspension and responsive steering in Sport mode provided an engaging drive.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered practicality with a cargo capacity of 12.5 cubic feet, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium materials across trims. The standard AWD made it a compelling choice for a performance-focused sedan in its price range.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated doors, though they were somewhat cumbersome to use. Inside, the front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with standard heating and ventilation. The rear seats were spacious, with an optional lounge seating package offering a reclining seat and massage functions. The trunk provided 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with adequate interior storage for personal items.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen display in premium trims, with physical controls for essential functions. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration had some quirks, the system was visually impressive. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo was available, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series came with iDrive 8, offering multiple control options but a complex menu structure. Voice controls helped navigate the system, and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System was standard. The optional theater screen had usability challenges, but the infotainment system was feature-rich, albeit less intuitive than previous iterations.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered the EyeSight suite of ADAS on CVT models, including features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Manual models lacked EyeSight but had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and seven airbags were standard.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control and highway driving assistant were praised for their smooth operation, reducing driver fatigue on long trips.