2022 Honda Civic vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and tailored appearance compared to its predecessor. It was available in familiar trims like LX, EX, Sport, and Touring, with the Touring trim showcasing an elegant Morning Mist Blue paint. The redesign made the Civic resemble the larger Accord, offering a conservative and plain look that appealed to those who found the previous model's styling too bold. Inside, Honda focused on simplicity, with a minimalistic dashboard featuring a metal honeycomb mesh to hide air vents, and improved materials that added a sense of maturity, especially in the Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language with an oversized grille and split lighting elements. The front-end styling was initially polarizing, but it grew on observers over time. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end featured distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern, minimal interior with a curved glass pane housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were of premium quality, with options like light grey cashmere wool-blend upholstery adding a cozy feel. The rear Executive Lounge package offered a luxurious experience akin to business class seating.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder with 180 horsepower. The latter provided a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency, with torque stretching across a broad rev range. Both engines were paired with a CVT, featuring Step Shift programming for a traditional automatic feel. The Civic's handling was enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning. However, fuel efficiency fell short of expectations during testing, returning 7.7 L/100 km compared to the estimated 6.9 L/100 km.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series, specifically the 760i xDrive, featured a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth gear changes, and the handling was sportier than rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The ride was slightly stiffer, but not harsh, and Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness. The 7 Series offered a balance of performance and comfort, appealing to drivers who valued both.

The 2022 Honda Civic's interior focused on comfort, with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim featured leather upholstery and heated front seats, though ventilation was absent. The back seat provided ample legroom, but the reclined backrest angle might not suit everyone. The Civic's trunk offered 408 litres of space in the Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases and featuring a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered power-operated automatic doors, though they were cumbersome to use. Inside, the front seats were padded for long-distance comfort, with extensive power adjustments and standard heating and ventilation. The rear seats were spacious, with a lounge seating option providing a reclining seat and massage functions. The trunk held 388 litres, slightly larger than competitors, with a low liftover height for easy loading. Interior storage was adequate, with features like a wireless charging pad and cupholders.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display. The Vehicle Activity display was a standout feature, showing the status of lights and signals. The infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system performed well, despite a slow load time.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series came with iDrive 8, featuring dual screens and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was operated via touchscreen, dial, or voice commands, but the menu structure was complex. Voice controls helped navigate the system, though they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system provided excellent sound quality. The optional theatre screen had usability issues, with inconsistent touchscreen inputs and a missing remote control.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted an upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sensors improved system performance. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system, and the Touring trim added rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle's architecture was strengthened for better collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Advanced Driver Assistance package added lane departure warning and a hands-free highway driving system. The adaptive cruise control was smooth, and the highway assistant automated driving at speeds up to 135 km/h. BMW planned to introduce a level 3 automated driving system in some markets, though it required additional equipment.