2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was the repositioning of LED accent lights and the recessing of the actual headlights, which, combined with the oversized kidney grille, resulted in a polarizing front-end style. While the sides and rear remained largely unchanged, the interior saw a refresh with a curved glass display housing the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The interior materials were of high quality, featuring supple leather upholstery and a sport leather steering wheel, though the glossy wood and carbon fibre trims were less favourable due to glare issues. The X7's interior was well-built, with no creaking on bumpy roads, and the revisions gave it a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, maintained a similar exterior to the standard RX 350, with minimal hybrid-specific design cues. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its performance-tuned features, including a blacked-out grille and matte-black wheels. The RX's design was not considered gorgeous, with a blunt-nosed appearance and a visual imbalance due to the wheelbase stretch. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, minimalistic look with fewer switches and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a more aggressive interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. The RX 350h was priced at $63,436 in Canada, while the RX 500h started at $83,086.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered two engine options. The base X7 xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the X7 to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 6 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, also with a 48-volt hybrid system, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive. Despite its weight of nearly 2,720 kilograms, the X7 handled well, with minimal body roll and a composed ride. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on engaging driving dynamics.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. It was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance used a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in around 6 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and a Dynamic Rear Steering system, providing a more athletic driving experience. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during testing. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 7.4 L/100 km, making it a more fuel-efficient choice.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats comfortably accommodated taller passengers, and the large sunroof and windows enhanced the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some patience due to the power-operated middle row, but once moved, it offered a decent opening. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space was generous, with 362 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,376 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,560 litres with all rear seats down. The split tailgate and air suspension made loading and unloading easier.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the rear seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. Cargo space was improved, with 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the back seat folded, matching the standard RX 350.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had drawbacks. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, making simple tasks like adjusting seat heating or cruise control settings cumbersome. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. A Harman Kardon premium sound system was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had limitations, such as displaying only one screen menu at a time. The touchscreen suffered from reflections, and the lack of a tuning knob was a drawback. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Optional features included a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a highway driving assist feature. The safety systems performed well, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist was also available, automatically slowing the RX when necessary. While the safety features generally operated well, some irritations were noted, such as the front cross-traffic alert system's reliance on visual indicators and the reactive nature of the curve-speed reduction tech.