2023 BMW X7 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle refresh, adopting a bold new front-end design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The SUV featured LED accent lights positioned where the previous model's headlights were, with the actual headlights now recessed below. This redesign aimed to create a more assertive presence, though it sparked mixed reactions due to its oversized kidney grille. While the front-end changes were polarizing, the sides and rear of the X7 remained largely unchanged, offering a sense of familiarity. Inside, the X7's interior received a modern update with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The cabin boasted high-quality materials, including supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some glossy trim options causing glare, the interior revisions contributed to a more elegant and contemporary feel.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 presented a different aesthetic approach, emphasizing practicality, safety, and sustainability. The exterior paint palette was subdued and earthy, aligning with its luxury SUV status. The XC90 offered various wheel designs, with most models featuring a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal accents. Inside, the XC90's interior design, though dated, was adorned with rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Volvo's wool-blend upholstery and ventilated Nappa leather options added a touch of luxury, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. The XC90 allowed buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to individual preferences.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base xDrive40i model, which featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, providing a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, also with a 48-volt hybrid system, producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well on the road, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate performance from the base six-cylinder. The ride was slightly firmer compared to some luxury SUVs, but it maintained a good balance of performance and comfort.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor. This setup produced 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The XC90 Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in five seconds. Recharging the battery was convenient, with options for standard household outlets or faster 240-volt charging. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, providing versatility for different driving conditions. However, the XC90's handling was more focused on luxury than performance, with a firm ride and less engaging dynamics compared to some rivals.

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 openness. Accessing the third row required some patience as the power-operated middle row moved, but it offered a reasonably large opening. The third row could accommodate average-sized adults, though the seat cushion was lower, affecting thigh support. Behind the third row, the X7 offered 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats down. The split tailgate and suspension-lowering feature added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 provided a well-equipped interior, even in the Core trim, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though they could catch on clothing when entering the SUV. The XC90's seating configuration allowed for seven passengers or six with optional captain's chairs. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat down.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iteration of the iDrive infotainment system, which, while intuitive for basic functions, had some drawbacks. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, requiring users to navigate menus for functions like seat heating and adaptive cruise control adjustments. Voice commands were available but could be slow to process and interrupt audio playback. While the system had merits for navigation and texting, more physical buttons and intuitive menus would have been appreciated.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium audio options available. The system was more intuitive than previous Volvo systems, and the XC90's minimalist cabin included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant, Google Assistant, provided a generally rewarding experience, though occasional adjustments were needed for desired results. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, and parking sensors. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed reliably without false alarms.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) lagged behind some competitors. The XC90 included standard safety features and unique systems like large-animal detection and traffic movement alerts. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, was used extensively during testing but struggled with certain road conditions. Despite some inaccuracies, the XC90's ADAS features generally worked smoothly, though a significant error with Pilot Assist raised concerns about its reliability.