2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though this familiarity sometimes made it blend in with other models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling with body-color matched elements and high-gloss black accents. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, included an abundance of black plastic alongside leather and soft-touch materials, with M Sport models offering unique, aggressive styling elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its elegance and understated design, despite its massive size. The Navigator's exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille with the Monochromatic Package, and splashes of chrome for a classy look. The interior impressed with seven color palettes and high-quality materials, including layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Black Label trims elevated the luxury with more textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats offered 30-way adjustability, making the Navigator's cabin one of the most refined and comfortable in its class.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with a Lincoln-like driving experience. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M at 15 mpg combined, the X5 M50i at 18 mpg, the X5 xDrive at 23 mpg, and the xDrive45e at 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a single, powerful engine: a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Its towing capacity was impressive, at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. The Navigator's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 17 mpg combined. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, it lacked the refined suspension of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips but became hard on longer drives. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier. Without the third row, the X5 offered ample cargo space, though the xDrive45e had slightly less. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was challenging due to narrow door openings.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a vast interior, capable of seating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The Navigator's boxy shape provided excellent cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature. The Navigator Reserve included heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. However, parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer competitors. The infotainment system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the software was intuitive, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. Lincoln's remote app functions were included for five years, with SiriusXM traffic data for six years. The rear entertainment system featured Roku media streaming and various connectivity options. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance to the instrument panel.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator. The Navigator offered optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, a rare safety feature. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional but did not offer the same level of self-steering and lane-tracking as some competitors.