Volkswagen Passat vs BMW 7 Series

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition was a tribute to the model's legacy, positioned above the base SE and R-Line trims with an MSRP of $31,570. Only 1,973 units were produced, marking the year the Passat debuted in Europe. This edition featured exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges, with a unique Racing Green paint option. Inside, the Passat boasted Mauro Brown leather upholstery, complemented by faux wood trim and special seat tags. Despite its upscale appearance, the interior was a mix of affordable plastics and outdated technology, such as a small 6.3-inch touchscreen and an archaic driver information display. However, the cabin's modern touches, like integrated air vents and metallic detailing, added a touch of European elegance.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language, highlighted by an oversized grille and split lighting elements. The front-end styling was initially polarizing, but paint color and style themes, like the M Sport and M Sport Professional, could alter its impact. The profile retained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end featured distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series offered a modern, minimalistic interior with a horizontal layout and a curved glass pane housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were of premium quality, with options like light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery adding warmth. The rear seats, especially with the Rear Executive Lounge Seating package, provided a luxurious experience akin to business class on an airline.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was enigmatic in its driving dynamics, offering a floaty ride reminiscent of a 1990s Buick. It was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the engine's torque curve provided adequate power for commuting and highway cruising, it lacked the immediate power needed for quick acceleration. The Passat's Sport mode improved responsiveness without sacrificing fuel efficiency, achieving 30.7 mpg on a test loop. The car's ride quality prioritized comfort, but its suspension and tires made it feel jittery on city streets. Despite inconsistent brake pedal feel, the Passat excelled in highway quietness and offered surprisingly enjoyable handling on twisty roads.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two powertrains: the base 740i with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the 760i xDrive with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The 760i xDrive accelerated to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, providing quick and fluid performance. The ride quality was slightly stiffer than rivals, but Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness. The 7 Series excelled in balancing performance and comfort, making it an excellent choice for drivers who appreciate both.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was known for its spacious cabin, accommodating five adults comfortably. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, but the lack of separate bottom cushion angle adjustment affected comfort. The rear seats provided exceptional legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was ample, though some areas lacked noise-dampening materials. The trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a convenient remote keyless entry fob for access.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated doors, though they could be cumbersome to use. Inside, the front seats were generously padded with numerous power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats were spacious, with the lounge seating option adding a reclining passenger-side seat with massage functions. A 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen added a wow factor, though its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk offered 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with adequate interior storage for personal effects.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system featured a 6.3-inch screen with standard App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. The R-Line and Limited Edition added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. While the voice recognition system was limited, the Fender audio system was a standout feature.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series came with iDrive 8, offering touchscreen, central dial, and voice command operation. While basic functions were easy to use, deeper menu navigation was complex. Voice controls helped mitigate this, but they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality. The optional theater screen had usability challenges, with inconsistent touchscreen inputs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The R-Line trim added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition featured adaptive headlights and parking sensors. The Passat received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating for frontal-impact collision protection.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control and highway driving assistant were praised for their smooth operation and reduced driver fatigue.