BMW X7 vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?

BMW X7

$96,888 - $129,990

2023 price

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Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqe53

Mercedes-Benz Eqs450

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G580

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE400

Mercedes-Benz GLE450

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2023 BMW X7

2021 Mazda CX-9

By Tim Nicholson

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 8, 3.0L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.0L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Bold design
Spacious, plush interior
Beefy diesel engine

New 10.25-inch display
Seven-seater's versatility
Comfortable ride

Dislikes

Pricey options
Some functions hard to find in screen
A challenge to manoeuvre in tight spaces

Expensive AWD option
Six-seater's compromises
Older ANCAP safety rating

2023 BMW X7 Summary

Large family-friendly luxury SUVs tend to be handsome in design but somewhat restrained. Until now. BMW has introduced a major facelift for its flagship SUV, the six- or seven-seat X7. Emphasis on face.

The new X7 adopts the striking but controversial front-end from the new 7 Series sedan, but the big, bold SUV is hiding some rather significant changes under the skin. Aside from a beefier diesel that now comes with mild hybrid tech, there’s also a redesigned cabin, massively upgraded tech, more standard features, oh, and a price increase.

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2021 Mazda CX-9 Summary

The second-generation Mazda CX-9 may have been on sale in Australia for nearly five years now, but it remains the second best-selling large SUV using unibody construction (as opposed to old-school, off-road-focused body-on-frame).

That said, it is getting on a bit, so Mazda’s given it an update with a twist for 2021, hoping to inject a little bit more life into its flagship model.

And when we say twist, we mean it. After all, who would’ve thought there’d ever be a six-seat CX-9? Well, we’ve checked it out to see if it’s the version we needed all along. Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW X7 2021 Mazda CX-9

Verdict

When lined up against its direct rivals, the expensive X7 xDrive40d represents reasonable value for money.

It has a unique and bold look and a sumptuous, visually striking and well-appointed interior that has acres of space for family, friends, or for ferrying frequent flyers to the airport.

That wallop of performance from the big beefy diesel is the cherry on the top. This is how you do a mid-life update.

Verdict

The CX-9 is still a great option for families looking for a large SUV, even if it is starting to show its age as new rivals continue to launch with newer technologies.

That said, the availability of a luxury-focused six-seat configuration (Azami LE AWD) for the first time might be enough to convince some buyers to give it further consideration.

But for others who need the versatility of seven seats, this is still the CX-9 we’ve all come to know and love – but just a little bit better – particularly in its best-selling Azami AWD form.

BMW X7 vs Mazda CX-9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X7 vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?