2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of metropolitan Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and boasted more prestige than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. The X7 also offered advanced technological features that outshone the Lexus LX 570, and its visual presence was more commanding than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the X7's appeal was subjective, as personal preference played a significant role in this segment.

The X7 was available in three versions, with the xDrive40i starting at $74,900, the M50i at $99,800, and the Alpina BX7 at $141,300. The test vehicle, an X7 xDrive40i, was equipped with 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium leather, and a trailer hitch, among other features, bringing its price to $91,745. The X7's design, characterized by its large grille, was fitting for its size, and its styling was both traditional and glamorous, securing its place at the top of BMW's SUV lineup. Inside, the X7 shared similarities with the X5, offering high-tech design and quality materials, though some quirks required getting used to.

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a welcome sight for travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, offering a plush and roomy interior after a week in a Dodge Grand Caravan. The Platinum trim was the most luxurious in the Expedition lineup, which started with the XL STX at $50,595 and included the XLT, Limited, and King Ranch. The Platinum model had a starting MSRP of $74,375, with the extended-length Expedition MAX costing an additional $2,000.

The test vehicle, left at the airport, featured Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, totaling $80,510. Despite its spaciousness, the Expedition struggled to accommodate all passengers and their luggage, highlighting the utility of minivans. The Expedition Platinum, with its chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, had a bold presence. The extended-length MAX version would have resolved the cargo issue, offering more space for passengers and luggage. The Expedition's interior, while comfortable, reminded occupants of its origins with its hard plastic materials, though it was well-suited for a six-person crew.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology, with a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, aimed to improve fuel economy and responsiveness. However, the X7's EPA ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, with 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power.

Despite its power, the X7's driving experience was marred by excessive body motions, even with the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The SUV's nearly 5,400-pound weight was noticeable, but it maintained speed and fluidity on highways. The X7's eight-speed transmission was praised for its performance, and the Dynamic Handling Package's M Sport brakes were effective. The X7's off-road capabilities were not tested, but its ground clearance was 8.7 inches.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the Platinum trim offering 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD or 4WD. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology. The Expedition's acceleration was impressive, even with a full load, and the engine's note was pleasant.

The Platinum's 22-inch wheels affected ride quality, but the adaptive damping suspension and independent rear suspension provided stability. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg on the evaluation loop, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg combined for the 4WD model. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, enhanced the Expedition's off-road capabilities, but the test vehicle did not have this option.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was luxurious, with features like heated rear seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, and premium Merino leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, with standard heated seats, armrests, and steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though the long rear doors could be challenging in tight parking spaces. The X7 offered a four-zone climate control system, with an available five-zone system for third-row occupants.

The third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing it required adjusting the front and second-row seats. The X7's cargo space was limited, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with all seats folded, falling short of class leaders.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with power-deploying running boards and large seats for all passengers. The test vehicle's front seats offered a massage function, but the third row was also comfortable for adults. The Expedition's independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage was plentiful. With the third-row seat folded, cargo volume expanded from 19.3 to 57.5 cubic feet, with a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with it folded, and 121.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the cargo floor's high liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro with traffic data and parking information. Wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were also available, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, while aging, offered a user-friendly interface with an 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, and a navigation system. Amazon Alexa compatibility and enhanced voice recognition were also available. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging, but not the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with numerous safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included Active Driving Assistant Pro, with features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. The system was generally effective, though it occasionally struggled with lane maintenance and automated lane changes. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous parking assistance system were available on higher trims. The Expedition's lane-keeping technology was helpful, though it lacked a more advanced system pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance.