2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of metropolitan Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and offered a prestigious presence that outshone the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator. The X7 boasted advanced technological features that were more sophisticated than those found in the Lexus LX 570, and its visual appeal was more pronounced compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the X7's appeal was subjective, as personal preference played a significant role in this segment.

The X7 was available in three versions: the xDrive40i, M50i, and Alpina BX7, with starting prices of $74,900, $99,800, and $141,300, respectively. The xDrive40i test vehicle was equipped with luxurious features such as 22-inch aluminum wheels, premium leather, and a trailer hitch, bringing its total cost to $91,745. The X7's design was characterized by its large grille, which was fitting for its size, and its styling was both traditional and glamorous, securing its position at the top of BMW's SUV lineup. Inside, the X7 shared similarities with the X5, offering high-tech design and quality materials, though some quirks required acclimation.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was a testament to elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. It shared some design elements with the Ford Expedition but distinguished itself with unique features and a luxurious feel that justified its $92,000 MSRP. The Navigator's design was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, with body-color grilles and a few chrome accents adding a touch of class. The Pristine White model, with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Navigator's interior was equally impressive, offering seven color palettes and a modern, muted design with high-quality materials and tight panel gaps.

The Navigator's interior was spacious, with seating for up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. The second-row captain's chairs were manually reclining, and the third row offered power-folding seats. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some of the advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous customization options. Despite its size, the Navigator offered excellent visibility, though parking could be challenging.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The X7 featured eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, enhancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. However, the X7's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year's model, with 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering ample power for its size.

The X7's driving experience was smooth and serene, with laminated glass providing a quiet cabin environment. The Dynamic Handling Package, which included Active Comfort Drive and Integral Active Steering, improved maneuverability and stability. Despite its nearly 5,400-pound curb weight, the X7 demonstrated effortless speed and fluidity on highways. However, on narrow roads with tight curves, the X7's weight became more apparent, affecting its handling. The eight-speed sport automatic transmission was praised for its performance, and the M Sport brakes provided reliable stopping power.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both RWD and 4WD options. The Navigator's towing capacity was impressive, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Despite its size, the Navigator felt responsive and powerful, with a quiet cabin and smooth highway performance. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens and aligning with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating.

The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering and brakes were less precise, but the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for highway driving. The paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness, and the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin were highlights of its performance.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated rear seats, five-zone climate control, and premium Merino leather upholstery. Front-seat comfort was exceptional, with heated seats, armrests, and a steering wheel as standard. The second-row captain's chairs were also comfortable, though the long rear doors could make entry and exit challenging. The X7's third-row seat was surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing it required some seat adjustments. Cargo space was limited, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, in contrast, provided ample interior space, with seating for up to eight passengers and generous cargo capacity. The second-row captain's chairs were manually reclining, and the third row offered power-folding seats. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous customization options. The Navigator's large windows and high driving position offered excellent visibility, though parking could be challenging.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both with 12.3-inch displays. The iDrive system included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as enhanced SiriusXM 360L and Connected Package Pro. Wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control were also included, though the latter could be inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses, but overall, the X7's technology was user-friendly and advanced.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a 10-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to competitors. The infotainment system was intuitive and shared its interface with Ford, though it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, as well as rear entertainment options. While the technology was not as advanced as some competitors, it was functional and easy to use.

The 2021 BMW X7 came equipped with standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the optional Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included features like evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were praised for their accuracy and smooth operation, though some specific experiences highlighted areas for improvement. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for 4WD models and three stars for RWD models in rollover resistance. The Navigator offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.