2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design reminiscent of the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was the repositioning of LED accent lights and the actual headlights, which were tucked underneath in a recess. The oversized kidney grille remained a polarizing feature, and the new styling was expected to be just as controversial. While the facelift aimed for a more assertive look, it came at the expense of grace and cohesiveness. The interior received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, along with a more elemental dashboard design. 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 trims, the interior revisions gave the X7 a modern and elegant appearance.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E embraced its electric crossover SUV identity while incorporating iconic Mustang styling cues. Despite initial skepticism, the Mach-E's design, featuring galloping horse emblems, scowling headlights, and bold rear fender haunches, proved to be a smart move. The Mach-E GT, in particular, exuded style, quality, and technology, with distinctive bumpers, unique 20-inch wheels, and a dark front panel resembling a traditional grille. Inside, the Mach-E GT offered a luxury car feel with artificial leather and synthetic suede-wrapped sport-bolstered seats, copper stitching, and a high-end cabin ambiance. The design and details blended the past, present, and future, creating an undeniably appealing vehicle.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a range of performance options, starting with the base X7 xDrive40i model, which featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, allowing the X7 to reach 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 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 and a composed ride. While not sporty, it offered a good blend of performance and comfort, with a slightly firmer ride compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of power and efficiency options, with configurations spanning from 266 to 480 horsepower and 317 to 634 pound-feet of torque. The Mach-E GT featured an extended-range battery and all-wheel drive, delivering 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The GT Performance Edition package increased torque to 634 lb-ft and reduced the range to 260 miles, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The Mach-E GT featured driving modes like Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled, with an exclusive Unbridled Extend mode for track use. The ride quality was firm, but the Mach-E GT offered exciting driving dynamics and impressive efficiency, achieving 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hour of energy during testing.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats accommodated taller passengers comfortably, and the large sunroof and windows enhanced the airy feeling. Accessing the third row required some time due to the power-operated middle row, but it offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. Behind the third row, the X7 provided 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The split tailgate and suspension-lowering feature made loading and unloading easier. Front-seat passengers enjoyed ample storage space, including a large covered bin in the center console.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a functional and spacious interior, seating up to five people with 34.1 cubic feet of cargo space, including a sizable front trunk. The Mach-E GT featured eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, wrapped in black ActiveX artificial leather with black Miko synthetic suede inserts. The stylish tiered center console provided a mix of covered and open storage areas. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a snug but supportive back seat, with a panoramic glass roof enhancing the airy environment. The Mach-E offered 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 59.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front trunk added 4.7 cubic feet of additional cargo space, designed for easy cleaning with a drain plug.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, represented a step backward in some aspects. Many physical buttons were eliminated, with functions moved to the infotainment screen, making simple tasks like adjusting seat settings more complicated. Voice commands were available but took time to process and interrupted audio playback. While the system had merits for navigation and texting, more physical buttons and intuitive menus would have been appreciated.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured a 15.5-inch touchscreen running on Ford's Sync 4A infotainment platform, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a navigation system, and wireless smartphone charging. Sync 4A learned user habits and provided predictive suggestions, while the touchscreen offered access to various vehicle settings and energy usage data. The system was well-organized, though a radio tuning knob and a driving mode button would have been welcome additions. The Mach-E also featured Phone As A Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and operation.

The 2023 BMW X7 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward cross-traffic alerts, and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed reliably during testing.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology as standard, along with the BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise 1.2 added features like lane-change and predictive speed assist functions. During testing, BlueCruise performed well but required constant monitoring, and a head-up display would have been beneficial. The Mach-E received top marks from the IIHS and was a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete at the time of review.