2024 Kia EV9 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 at the front, where LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, which were now recessed. The oversized kidney grille remained a polarizing feature, and the new styling was expected to be equally controversial. While BMW aimed for a bolder design, it seemed to come at the cost of 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, with supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some harsh reflections from glossy wood and carbon fiber trim, the interior revisions gave the X7 a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2024 Kia EV9 marked a new direction for Kia EVs, with a blockier design reminiscent of a digital clock's numbers. Its exterior retained a distinctly Kia look, enhanced by unique lighting signatures. The "Star Map" daytime running lights and the "Digital Tiger Face" grille added a futuristic touch. The top trims featured a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, offering customizable lighting patterns. The EV9's interior felt airy and fresh, with a light gray two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. The eight-way power-adjustable front seats and SynTex seating surfaces provided comfort, while the fabric lining the chairbacks and door cards added durability. The EV9's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, making it a standout in the electric SUV segment.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a range of powerful engine options. The base X7 xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allowed the X7 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 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 on the road, with potent acceleration and well-managed body roll. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, but it offered a good blend of performance and comfort.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor, rear-wheel-drive setup producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model featured a larger 99.8-kWh battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but extending the range to 304 miles. The higher trims, Wind and Land, came with dual-motor all-wheel drive, producing 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line trim prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a range of 270 miles. The EV9's power delivery was smooth and refined, with good handling and minimal body roll. The regenerative braking system was adjustable, offering a natural feel comparable to gas-powered vehicles. The EV9 also featured fast charging capability, with the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, and the large sunroof and windows enhanced the airy feeling. Accessing the third row required some time as the power-operated middle row moved out of the way, but it offered a large opening once adjusted. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space behind the third row measured 12.8 cubic feet, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats down. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading and unloading easier. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage space, with a large covered bin in the center console and well-sized cupholders.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom, surpassing the Kia Telluride, BMW X7, and Rivian R1S. Third-row legroom ranged from 30.8 to 32.0 inches, depending on the middle row's configuration. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Cargo space behind the third row measured 20.2 cubic feet, expandable to 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 81.7 cubic feet with only the front-row seats in place. The high and flat load floor made retrieving luggage easier. The front storage space was adequate, with a "floating" center console and a large open compartment on the floor. Second-row passengers in higher trims enjoyed additional storage options.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which had a more intuitive layout for basic functions like temperature adjustments and audio controls. However, many physical buttons were eliminated, requiring users to navigate the infotainment screen for functions like heated or ventilated seats. Voice commands were available but took time to process and interrupted audio playback. While voice controls were useful for navigation and texting, more physical buttons and intuitive menus would have been appreciated.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took technology to the next level with a three-screen curved display. The 12.3-inch driver information display, 5-inch Climate Display, and 12.3-inch infotainment display provided a comprehensive view. The EV9 included physical switches for tri-zone climate control and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system. The EV9's connectedness was noteworthy, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades. This future-proofing approach allowed owners to customize their vehicles over time, enhancing the EV9's appeal.

The 2023 BMW X7 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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 a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed reliably without false alarms.

The 2024 Kia EV9's standard suite of advanced driver-assistance systems was comprehensive, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. The Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist were available on higher trims. The EV9 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP. The EV9's safety features provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.