2023 BMW X7 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was the front end, where LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, now tucked beneath in a recess. This bold design choice, characterized by an oversized kidney grille, was polarizing, with mixed reactions from the public. While the front-end styling was controversial, the sides and rear remained largely unchanged, maintaining a sense of familiarity. Inside, the X7's interior received a refresh with a curved glass display housing the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The dashboard featured a more elemental design, and the centre console introduced a toggle switch-like gear selector. The interior materials were of premium quality, with options like Merino leather and Sensafin synthetic substitutes. Despite some glossy trim choices causing glare, the overall interior revisions lent a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with distinct styling. It featured upscale aesthetics, with 22-inch wheels enhancing its presence. The TX's design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down look. The TX came in various model series, including the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid. Prices ranged from $72,036 to $87,486, with the TX 550h+ yet to be released. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The interior boasted premium materials, with options for heated and ventilated seats. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided comfort and support. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, offered amenities like triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, making the TX a practical choice for families.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base X7 xDrive40i model, equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This combination delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous year's engine. The xDrive all-wheel drive system allowed the X7 to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 6 seconds. The X7 M60i model featured a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, producing 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. Despite its weight of nearly 2,720 kilograms, the X7 handled well on the road, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate performance from the six-cylinder. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, but it offered a good balance of performance and comfort.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing road feedback while maintaining comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. The brake pedal, though soft, was easy to modulate, ensuring smooth stops.

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 sense of space. Accessing the third row required some patience as the power-operated middle row moved, but it offered a generous opening once adjusted. The third row could accommodate average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Behind the third row, the X7 offered 362 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,376 litres with the third row folded and 2,560 litres with all rear seats down. The split tailgate design and air suspension lowering feature made loading and unloading convenient. Front-seat passengers had ample storage options, including a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though captain's chairs were available. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering leg support and a good view through large windows. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with all rear seats down. The interior featured numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. The split front centre armrest design was less practical, but overall, the TX offered impressive utility and space.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, though it was seen as a step backward in some aspects. Basic functions like temperature adjustments and audio controls were straightforward, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. However, many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, making tasks like adjusting seat settings more cumbersome. Voice commands were available but took time to process. The Harman Kardon premium sound system was standard, with a head-up display as an option.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features in the Executive packages. The head-up display, though useful, had unmarked steering wheel controls that required referencing the display, which was problematic for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen with a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

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, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, and parking sensors. Optional features included a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a highway driving assist feature. The safety systems performed well, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was part of the system, providing braking and steering assistance, though it was not entirely transparent. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system offered hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, though a higher-speed system was not available. Overall, the safety systems were smooth and effective, though the TX slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.