2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it did offer leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models added a sporty flair with unique styling elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a large SUV. Its design was characterized by simple rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents, creating a classy appearance. The Navigator's interior was impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, minimalist design. The materials used were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats provided exceptional comfort with 30 different adjustments. While the Navigator's interior was spacious and luxurious, it lacked some of the advanced features found in its competitors, such as the Cadillac Escalade.

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 M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the engaging drive experience typical of BMWs. Fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and a smooth driving experience. Its towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though it lacked the refined handling of some competitors. Despite this, the Navigator's powerful engine and quiet cabin made it a comfortable choice for highway driving.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of its interior space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats offered ample space for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easy, though the doors did not open very wide, making access to the second row somewhat challenging. The xDrive45e model offered slightly less cargo space due to its battery.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second row featured manually reclining captain's chairs. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve model included heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some features offered by competitors, such as electrically reclining second-row seats. The front seats were highly adjustable and provided excellent visibility, though parking the large SUV could be challenging.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. While the iDrive system required some acclimation, it was generally user-friendly. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity issues, often taking over musical operations unexpectedly.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt outdated compared to competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and satellite radio, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, sharing its interface with Ford models, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with various connectivity options, though it lacked some advanced features found in other luxury SUVs.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. While the Navigator's adaptive cruise control was available, it did not offer the same level of self-steering and lane tracking as some competitors.