The BMW X7 is finally here and it’s ready to take on a new level of competition. Before the X7’s debut, the BMW X5 was always the largest Bavarian SUV. So never has BMW had an SUV that can compete with the big daddy Range Rover, which is the big SUV in the segment, the class leader. The Range Rover is a flawed truck, with some dated tech and gas-guzzling engines, but when it comes to luxury, off-road performance and just overall loveliness, it’s almost impossible to beat a Range Rover. So can the new BMW X7, the brand’s first attempt at such a car, take on the king of the segment?
We won’t know how it actually stacks up against the Range Rover on the road until we can test them back to back. However, we can compare how they look. So that’s what we shall do.
Honestly, this is an uphill battle for the X7. The Range Rover is a gorgeous SUV, something that’s genuinely impressive. SUVs by nature are designed for function rather than form but the ‘Rover is a beaut. The BMW X7, by comparison is a handsome thing but it will be tough to take on the Big Brit.
From the front, the BMW X7 is better looking than we thought it would be, after seeing the frightening concept. However, the Range Rover is better looking. It’s more elegant and less cartoonish than the X7, whose flared nostrils and squinty headlights look more like a caricature than an actual car design. The X7 isn’t bad but it’s no match for the pretty mug of the Range Rover.
In profile, it’s sort of a tale of two missions. When you look at the BMW X7 from the side, it looks like it’s been designed to fit seven passengers and as much luggage space as possible. It’s stately and handsome but looks to have prioritized function over form. While the Range Rover looks more athletic, while still being a big box, and its steeper approach angles make it seem more rugged. All the while, the Range Rover seems prettier, sleeker and more modern, despite being a few years older.
Out back, the Range Rover looks taller, with broader shoulders and tighter. Its vertically opposed taillights add to its visual height and make it seem a bit sleeker and more lithe. The BMW X7, on the other hand, is not a bad looking car at all from the rear, in fact we think that’s one of its best angles, but its wide taillights and horizontal styling cues make it seem a bit dumpy.
Inside, the BMW X7 starts to crawl back a bit. The cabin of the X7, while familiar, is very good looking, extremely premium and boasts awesome technology. Personally, I think the design of the Ranger Rover’s cabin is better, being more stylish and more expensive looking, but my brain knows that its tech is lackluster and it’s not as modern looking. They’re also quite different in that the Range Rover looks like a luxurious truck while the X7 looks like a big car, from their interiors.
Overall, it’s hard to not choose the Range Rover overall, here. After all, we’re looking at style and design and the Range Rover is the most stylish and attractive SUV on the market, save for maybe the Jaguar F-Pace (which ironically also part of Jaguar Land Rover). The BMW X7 is a handsome looking truck and one that, overall, will be an excellent SUV to own. But the Range Rover is the looker of the two and still unbeaten in its segment.
the only thing i’ll give the range rover over the new x7 is the off roading “not most people do go off roading” but other than that. bmw wins!
The front fascia of the Range Rover is rather plain, but at least it’s not hideous and cringe-worthy as the X7’s front fasica.
Sickening.
Like 911, Range Rover resembles its decades old original design. I prefer the new.
This slider doesn’t work as well as the side by side. At least make the two cars line up .
It’s a trial. We’ll match the better next time. I thought it’s more interesting to show them that way.
A very well thought out feature, Horatiu.
Execution may need some fine tuning but its a commendable effort already. :)
Always trying to improve
It’s a really good idea, I love it. It’s very good to compare them this way. But yeah, the line-up should be better, if possible. :)
Not a big fan of twat-panzers in general, but for such a big, cumbersome bastard the X7 looks badass!
RR all the way! Its not as bad looking as I thought but even the x5 looks better. Interior and exterior the RR wins anyday all day long
This article clearly shows who is the master and who is the student.
Not in a single parameter does X7 seem to be able to compete (let alone beat). The fact that RR is around for last 6 years and still looks as fresh as a daisy and much better (in every way) than the a day old X7 is a testament to RR designer’s brilliant overall execution.
BMW owned Range Rover & brought it into the 21st century, as they did MINI & the actual RR, Rolls-Royce. So not only do you have master & student reversed, the designer’s brilliant overall execution was created in the ’60’s, X7 is original & new.
yawn yawn !!
I really want to choose the X7 but I can’t, the Range is one gorgeous machine. The X7 is a very good looking car minus the rear, I just couldn’t help but like the Range far more with this comparison.
Spot on, Nico!
The Range Rover walks all over the X7 on this one.
I agree with you on every point.
BMW reengineered Range Rover when they owned them earlier this century, Ford had to buy BMW V8s to continue production when they bought the brand. Rather than car/truck, they look 20th vs. 21st century to me, Range Rover also far more common.
X7 > range rover
Range rover don´t have a chance against this MONSTER X7
No , THE X7 IS THE BEST 😤
Well, this is the only competitor that’s actually a close call. Anything else in the segment is inferor to the X7. But I do love how simple, classy and elegant the design of the Range Rover is. If I have to be completely objective, I would have to say the Range Rover has the edge in terms of pure design (on the exterior, that is), it’s a timeless beauty. However, I would take the X7, no question about that. I still love the design of it. For the interior on the other hand, the X7 is on a whole other level. It’s absolutely stunning, whereas the Range Rover interior doesn’t look as luxurious as it should, and it most likely uses inferior materials as well, which are always top notch in any BMW, but especially the X7.
The Range is pure, stately, like a shark from the side. The X7 is bulky and upstart