2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers crafted unique front and rear styling elements, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, which illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The Navigator featured a distinctive lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, giving it a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, all contributing to its luxurious feel. The panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials further enhanced the interior ambiance, making the Navigator a true flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature design language, with its recognizable kidney grille and body shape. While this consistency ensured familiarity, it also meant the X5 could blend in with other BMW models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling. Inside, the X5's interior shared many elements with other BMW vehicles, offering a mix of leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models added unique styling touches, such as an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim strips. Despite the abundance of black plastic, the X5's interior remained comfortable and functional.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided 50 more horsepower and 30 more lb-ft of torque than the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. The Navigator's 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, tailoring the powertrain to various driving conditions. With a maximum towing capacity of 3,764 kilograms, the Navigator excelled in towing capabilities, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension and body motion control provided a hint of athleticism, though it was best suited for open roads.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 horsepower with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid offered up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. While the X5's powertrains were capable, its steering dynamics fell short of BMW's usual standards, particularly at higher speeds. The X5's cabin remained quiet, and its suspension absorbed road imperfections well, but the steering lacked the connected feel expected from a BMW.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with power running boards aiding entry. The optional Luxury Package included 30-way Perfect Position front seats, which required some time to adjust but provided exceptional comfort. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with the latter option featuring a centre console with audio controls. The Navigator's third-row seat provided ample legroom and thigh support, making it a standout among luxury three-row SUVs. Cargo space was class-leading, with the standard model offering 592 litres behind the third row and up to 2,928 litres with seats folded. The longer Navigator L increased these figures to 1,019 and 3,407 litres, respectively.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. While the front seats were comfortable for short trips, they became firm on longer journeys. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality facilitated loading cargo. The air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment, aiding in loading awkward-sized items. Without the third row, the X5's cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space due to its battery.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, with slow loading times. However, it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling listening experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, CarPlay occasionally took over musical operations unexpectedly. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance was effective. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package's adaptive cruise control had issues with timely stops, and the lane-keeping system struggled in bright sunlight and rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.