2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid vs 2024 BMW 7 Series

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received several updates, including the addition of sporty SE and upscale XLE trims, a new all-wheel-drive option, and a power increase for its hybrid system. The exterior styling was subtly refreshed with changes to the grille patterns and rear bumpers, making it more appealing than previous generations. The front end featured sculpted wraparound headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, adding a sporty character. However, the side and rear designs remained conventional. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid's minimalistic design was simple yet functional, though the abundance of hard plastics and lack of padding on armrests highlighted its budget-friendly nature. The SE trim introduced sport seats, while the XLE trim offered SofTex synthetic leather and a digital instrument panel, but the overall feel was less substantial compared to competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series presented a more conventional luxury sedan design, with a massive grille flanked by narrow LED headlights. The car's appearance varied greatly with different color and trim options, including two-tone schemes and matte paint finishes. Inside, the cabin was less controversial, featuring beautifully crafted metal speaker grilles and a variety of seat materials, including vegan leather and Cashmere wool blends. The interior was adorned with a crystal theme, ambient lighting, and a rear-seat theater screen. The 7 Series offered a luxurious experience with features like massaging seats and a panoramic sunroof, though some controls were less intuitive, requiring navigation through the infotainment system.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase from the previous model, and the power was delivered through a continuously variable transmission to the front wheels. The LE-trim test vehicle featured an additional 40-hp electric motor for on-demand all-wheel drive. The hybrid powertrain provided quick initial acceleration, but power built slowly, taking around nine seconds to reach 60 mph. The engine's loud drone during acceleration was a drawback, and passing slower traffic required significant effort. The Corolla Hybrid offered a dedicated EV drive mode for efficiency, though it was challenging to maintain on open roads. Braking was consistent, and handling was adequate, though not particularly engaging. Road noise was present, and larger road imperfections impacted cabin comfort.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series offered three powerful powertrains, including the 740i with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 760i featured a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the new 750e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder with an electric motor, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 740i could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with all-wheel drive, while the 760i achieved it in 4.1 seconds. The 750e offered impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 65 MPGe and 25 mpg combined. However, its brake modulation was inconsistent, and the transition from regenerative to physical braking was challenging. The 7 Series handled like a sports sedan, with precise steering and minimal body roll, despite its weight.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid provided ample front space for taller occupants, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for long-limbed drivers. The cabin's simplicity was user-friendly, with well-placed steering-wheel buttons and basic climate controls. Interior storage was adequate, with a small tray for phones, cupholders, and a center armrest bin. Rear seats accommodated average adults, but headroom was limited when entering or exiting. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of capacity, with rear seats folding for additional space, though not flat with the floor.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series, available only as a long-wheelbase sedan, offered luxurious comfort. The front seats were well-padded and supportive, with optional massaging functions. Rear legroom was generous at 42.8 inches, and rear passengers enjoyed door-mounted control screens and optional ventilated and massaging seats. The Executive Package added features like massaging front seats and automatic doors, though the latter were sometimes finicky. The 7 Series provided 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the 750e and 19.1 in gas-only models, with a low load height for easy access.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was responsive, with improved voice commands activated by saying, "Hey Toyota." Over-the-air software updates kept the system current, and it could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. A Wi-Fi hotspot was optional, offering remote control and streaming services. The SE and XLE trims were eligible for a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series featured a massive curved-screen display, combining a 12.3-inch driver's screen with a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The interface was primarily touchscreen-driven, with iDrive 8.5 software offering customization options. However, the system required navigating through menus, and the voice assistant, while helpful, was not always accurate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but couldn't control most vehicle functions. An 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo was standard, with an optional 40-speaker system. The 31.3-inch theater screen for rear passengers was impressive but blocked the rearview mirror when in use.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS had not tested the hybrid specifically, but the standard 2022 Corolla sedan received top scores and a Top Safety Pick+ award. The Corolla Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor and rear-seat reminder were available. The Proactive Driving Assist feature, however, was not well-received due to its jarring Curve Speed Reduction function.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it shared its platform with the 2024 BMW 5 Series, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The 7 Series offered standard active safety features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Additional systems were available in the Premium and Driving Assistance Professional packages, offering features like adaptive cruise control and highway assistant. BMW's systems were reliable, though some competitors included similar features as standard.