2022 Subaru WRX vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 Subaru WRX presented a subtle yet refined exterior, with a wider stance than its predecessor. Its front end was understated, featuring a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights, complemented by a signature hood scoop. The side profile was cleaner, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes, reminiscent of the car's rally heritage. The rear was marked by dramatic fender flares and a large bumper, with taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish, a sporty steering wheel, and seats with red contrast stitching, elevating its appeal compared to other Subaru models.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language, highlighted by an oversized grille and split lighting elements. The front end, initially polarizing, became less jarring over time, especially with different paint and style themes. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear featured distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern, minimalistic interior with high-quality materials and a futuristic curved glass housing the instrument panel. The seats offered luxurious comfort, with options like cashmere wool-blend upholstery and a rear Executive Lounge package, enhancing the premium experience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX was powered by a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Despite the slight increase in horsepower from the previous model, some drivers found it lacking in grunt, especially compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The WRX came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The manual transmission was praised for its precision and ease of use, while the CVT featured faster shift points. The WRX's suspension, built on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride quality, even on rough roads.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series, specifically the 760i xDrive, was equipped with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, offering a powerful and smooth driving experience. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear changes, while the sportier handling and air suspension enhanced the driving dynamics. The 7 Series also featured a Sport mode for sharper cornering and more responsive steering, appealing to those who valued performance alongside luxury.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered practicality with a cargo capacity of 354 litres, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in various upholstery options. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and competitive pricing made it an attractive choice for those seeking a performance-focused sedan in the $30,000 to $40,000 range.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated automatic doors, though they were not without their quirks. Inside, the front seats provided ample comfort with numerous adjustments, while the rear seats offered generous space and luxury options like a reclining seat with massage functions. The trunk held 388 litres of cargo, slightly larger than some competitors. Interior storage was adequate, with features like a wireless charging pad and multiple cupholders. The rear entertainment screen, though impressive, had some ergonomic challenges.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen display in Sport trims and higher, offering a visually impressive interface. While the system had some quirks, it was generally easy to use, with physical controls for essential functions. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration was not seamless, with Android Auto only displaying on half the screen. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system was available, though not tested.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series came with iDrive 8, featuring a curved display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system was feature-rich, it was criticized for its complex menu structure. Voice controls helped mitigate some frustrations, but they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality. The optional theatre screen had usability issues, with inconsistent touchscreen inputs and a missing remote control.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered the EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems on CVT-equipped models, including features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. However, EyeSight was not available on manual transmission models. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and the car came with seven airbags as standard.

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 features like lane departure warning and a hands-free automated driving system. The adaptive cruise control and highway driving assistant were praised for their smooth operation, reducing driver fatigue on long trips. A level 3 automated driving system was planned for other markets, with potential future availability in North America.