2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant design update, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was the repositioning of the LED accent lights and the actual headlights, which were tucked underneath, creating a more controversial front-end appearance. While BMW aimed for a bolder design, the new styling was divisive, with some finding it lacking in grace and cohesiveness. The interior received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, along with a more elemental dashboard design. The interior materials were of high quality, featuring supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite the polarizing exterior, the interior revisions gave the X7 a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, was easily distinguishable as an EV but lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. The interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, with a minimalist design and a feeling of quality. The base ID.4 Standard model offered leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts, maintaining a high standard of interior quality. The ID.4's interior changes for 2023 improved functionality, with a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started 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 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. 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 on the road, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate performance from the base six-cylinder. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, but it offered a good blend of performance and comfort.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, with RWD only, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack with RWD or AWD options. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked the handling prowess. The regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, providing a familiar experience for EV newcomers.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered 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 due to the power-operated middle row, but it provided a large opening once moved. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding 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.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4's towing capacity was 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats was also available.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was a step backward in some ways. While basic functions were easy to operate, many physical buttons were eliminated, requiring users to navigate the infotainment screen for functions like seat adjustments and adaptive cruise control settings. Voice commands were available but took time to process and interrupted audio playback. The system's complexity highlighted the need for more physical buttons and intuitive menus.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The user interface featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, lacking physical feedback. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, but it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS, 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, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, performing reliably without false alarms.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model received IIHS' "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, it added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.