2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights and recessed headlights, resulting in a polarizing appearance. While the new styling aimed for a more assertive look, it sacrificed some grace and cohesiveness. The X7 offered two design themes: the base Design Pure Excellence model with chrome exterior trim and the M Sport with a dark finish. Inside, the dashboard received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. 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 X7's interior was well-built and provided a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It boasted a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds and offered impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route. The SUV's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it fell short of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in terms of driving dynamics.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 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, 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 on the road, with potent acceleration from the V8. The base six-cylinder engine was adequate for most drivers, though not as smooth. The X7's handling was limited by its weight and ride height but remained composed and confidence-inspiring. While the ride was slightly firmer than some luxury SUVs, it offered a good blend of performance and comfort.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, providing a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats offered comfort with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport featured a power liftgate and controls to lower the air suspension for easier loading.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in interior space, with ample room for second-row passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some time, but it provided adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. The cargo area offered 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 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. Front-seat passengers had ample storage space, including a large center console bin and door pockets.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in finding and accessing features. The native digital assistant struggled with basic tasks, such as finding a nearby Starbucks. On a positive note, the Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with the latest iDrive infotainment system, which represented 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 features like heated seats 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 intuitive menus and physical buttons for frequently used features.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was slow to respond and not as smooth as expected, while the steering assist technology was dissatisfactory, especially on freeway curves.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive list of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, and options included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature effectively reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed as expected without false alarms.