2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally admired, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The interior received a modern touch with the BMW Curved Display and reduced physical switchgear, while retaining the high-quality materials and construction that tied it to its heritage.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. However, the 2025 styling was perceived as less elegant, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding an over-reliance on screens while still being technologically advanced. The remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap appearance, but the Aviator's Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system provided modern convenience. The test vehicle, in Reserve trim, featured extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and a centre console between the second-row captain’s chairs, with a configuration priced at $96,295 in Canada.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to its electric range and power output. It boasted a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a maximum AC charging rate of 7.4 kW. The PHEV offered 63 km of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 10.6 L/100 km. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, and the 21-inch wheels provided a balance of road feel and ride quality. The X5 excelled in Sport mode, offering excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response, with brakes that performed well under repeated use. During evaluation, it achieved an average fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km over 154 km.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Excite and Normal, with an optional adaptive air suspension. The Aviator excelled in acceleration and passing power, but its fuel economy was observed at 13.3 L/100 km, higher than the official rating of 11.9 L/100 km. The SUV provided clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking. However, the ride quality was affected by the 22-inch wheels and thin tires, generating road noise on highways. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a composed and calming ride, but it lacked the athleticism of some competitors.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people and a cargo area of 937 litres, expandable to 2,016 litres with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, sport seats, and available 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort with available upgrades, and the panoramic sunroof enhanced the view. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator provided luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, offering 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were low and unsupportive, with limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a centre console featuring a smartphone charging pad and deep door panel storage pockets. The Aviator offered 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,131 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum capacity of 2,149 litres.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to navigation issues. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was a highlight, despite the assistant's shortcomings.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, making Apple CarPlay and Siri more reliable. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered comprehensive data, including lane departure warnings.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, effective in dense or light traffic but occasionally engaging brakes unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance worked well, with subtle operation. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS but missed an award due to lower headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite, featuring active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system, was standard, with proactive control handover. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover rating, and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.