Lexus NX vs BMW X7

The 2025 BMW X7, with its imposing presence, continued to capture the attention of luxury SUV enthusiasts. Despite not being as large as some of its competitors, it maintained a bold and distinctive look, especially after its 2023 facelift. The updated design featured stacked quad headlights and an illuminated grille, which, while not universally praised for elegance, certainly set it apart from the smaller X5. The X7's exterior was further enhanced by large wheels and sporty design elements, particularly in models equipped with the M Sport Package. Inside, the X7 offered a mix of luxurious and flashy details, such as carbon fibre trim and crystal controls, though some of these features were optional and could leave the base model feeling less premium.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX presented a more refined and cohesive design. While not as traditionally handsome as some rivals, it avoided the awkwardness seen in other models. The NX's design carried over key elements from its predecessor, such as the spindle grille and LED lights, but integrated them more seamlessly into the overall look. The NX offered a range of powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, with various packages to suit different preferences. However, the base NX 350's interior, even in the F Sport 3 trim, didn't quite match the luxury expectations set by the brand, feeling more akin to a high-end Toyota RAV4.

The 2025 BMW X7 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the xDrive40i, which featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. The M60i xDrive variant boasted a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving the same sprint in 4.7 seconds. For those seeking even more performance, the Alpina XB7 delivered 631 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, reaching 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The X7's sophisticated chassis technology, including rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension, contributed to its surprisingly nimble handling and comfortable ride.

The 2026 Lexus NX, on the other hand, offered a less impressive performance with its standard NX 350 F Sport 3 model. It was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite a quoted 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.0 seconds, the NX 350's eight-speed automatic transmission often felt sluggish. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling performance figures, with the latter achieving 304 horsepower and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds. However, the NX's chassis tuning left much to be desired, with a firm ride and lifeless steering detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2025 BMW X7 provided ample interior space, available in six or seven-seat configurations. It offered more headroom in the front and second rows compared to several competitors, though legroom was slightly less generous. The X7 excelled in cargo space, with 1,376 litres behind the second row and 2,560 litres with the second and third rows folded. Its split tailgate design was practical for loading and unloading, and the air suspension's ability to lower the vehicle made access easier. The X7's towing capacity of 3,400 kilograms was respectable, though not class-leading.

The 2026 Lexus NX, while competitive in passenger space, had some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. The front seats felt constrained, and visibility was hindered by the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 643 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded, trailing behind many competitors. The NX's towing capacity of 907 kilograms was also below average for the class. However, the interior featured practical elements like large cupholders and a digital rearview mirror to aid visibility.

The 2025 BMW X7 featured a Curved Display setup with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The iDrive infotainment system, based on version 8.5, was user-friendly, with a rotary controller and physical buttons for easy navigation. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a natural-language voice recognition system, enhanced the tech experience, though the voice system occasionally struggled to pick up commands. The X7 also offered digital-key functionality and augmented reality navigation, though gesture control proved more gimmicky than practical.

The 2026 Lexus NX came standard with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher packages included a 14-inch display. All models featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Additional tech features required data connectivity packages, which included cloud-based navigation and digital key functionality. The voice recognition system, while helpful, had limitations, and the climate control interface could be awkward to use. The instrument cluster efficiently presented information, though it lacked the sophistication of some competitors.

The 2025 BMW X7 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, park assist, and lane-keep assist. Additional features, such as adaptive cruise control and BMW's Highway Assistant, were part of the Advanced Driver Assistance package. Highway Assistant offered automated lane-change functionality but wasn't as advanced as Cadillac's Super Cruise. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.

The 2026 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, and more. Additional features like park assist and a 360-degree camera system were available. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it missed the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test. NHTSA ratings were not yet published.