2020 BMW X7 xDrive30d vs Lexus LX 570 Review

The ultimate luxury on wheels used to be a flagship sedan like this one BMW 7 Series or Lexus LS. Well, that was replaced by the SUV, the bigger the better. It is the epitome of a luxury family business and the consummate wealth.

So, here are two heavyweights pitting against each other. The BMW X7 takes over Lexus LX in this seven-seat flagship luxury SUV showdown. Which of these should you splash your money on? Continue reading..

Based on an adapted 7-series platform, the X7 is at the top of the BMW SUV range, similar to the top-dog status of the 7-series in the brand's car range. We received the keys to the medium-sized turbodiesel X7 xDrive30d, which has a starting price of $ 133,900 plus road costs. Our test was loaded with the M Sport Package and other delicious goodies, bringing the final figure to $ 163,900.

In contrast to the BMW, the LX has no chassis relationship with the 7-series fighter of the LS-Lexus. Rather, the brand's chief SUV is based on the Toyota LandCruiser, with which it shares the basics. Our tester is that LX 570 The $ 140,500 plus road cost of the V8 petrol model with a sticker has been increased to $ 156,500 thanks to the option of an "upgrade package" that includes a set of 21-inch wheels.

Outside

Styling a giant multi-seat SUV is like drawing on a giant canvas. It is not easy. But somehow we're looking at two of the boldest big SUVs. As if their size weren't enough to create a visual impact, both the X7 and LS feature some of the largest grilles ever used for vehicle trim. The BMW kidney grille on the X7 is really massive, but even that is dwarfed by the LS's huge Lexus spindle grille. What's impressive is that, despite their hideous grilles, both cars can still convey class in their overall design.

The battle for the biggest tips for X7 in the south: It rides on huge 22-inch wheels wrapped in fat rubber and measuring 275/40 R22 at the front and 315/35 R22 at the rear. In comparison, the LS's shoes are an inch smaller and wear 275 / 50R21 tires.

Getting in and out of the vehicle is easier for the LX thanks to the side step, which also acts as a mud deflector to ensure your pants don't get dirty when getting out of the car.

The less off-road character of the X7 is not only evident in the lack of side steps, but also in doors that do not completely cover the side sills and expose them to dirt that can easily be transferred to your pants when you exit.

Both SUVs have height-adjustable air suspension that can be raised to increase the ground clearance when crossing difficult terrain, or lowered to make loading easier.

On the inside

No wonder that the interior of the X7 is largely based on the 7 Series, which means first-class materials everywhere. Unlike the flagship sedan, however, the X7's comfort is mostly focused on the front, where the driver and passenger seats are extremely classy and the dashboard has enough technology to compete with an airliner.

That's not to say that rear-seat passengers are neglected as passengers in the middle row get a pair of comfy headrest cushions in Alcantara, but the middle row seats aren't as cocooned as you'd expect from a brand's most luxurious and expensive SUV . They look like they were lifted straight off an X3, are a bit narrow and the seat is a bit thin.

Fortunately, the mid-range X7 30d tested here is also highly specified. The standard equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, electrically operated seats in the middle row, a surround sound system with 10 speakers, a professional navigation system, gesture control for the iDrive infotainment system, Vernasca leather upholstery and interior lighting with 6 predefined light designs that can be selected. adaptive LED headlights with selective beam and automatic soft close function for all doors.

Getting out of the X7 into the LX is a journey back in time. The current third-generation LX has been around since 2008, and although it has undergone two facelifts, the interior has remained largely unchanged.

While slightly more leather and piano black trim pieces have been added over the years, the LX's cab still looks and feels dated compared to the X7's tech-laden, contemporary-styled cabin.

Where the Lexus has the top edge over the BMW is in ...