2021 BMW X7 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of 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 than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the X7's design, particularly its large grille, was a point of contention, though it was deemed fitting for the SUV's size. Inside, the X7 shared many design elements with the X5, offering high-quality materials and intuitive controls, though some quirks required getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and a redesigned front end. While the changes were generally well-received, the new grille design was likened to an older Audi model, which some felt diminished its elegance. However, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with its quality materials and mid-century modern design, enhanced by the new Constellation display theme. The SUV's infotainment system was upgraded to the Sync 4 with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and user experience. The Navigator maintained its reputation for comfort, with spacious seating across all rows and generous cargo space, especially in the long-wheelbase version.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured 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 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite these enhancements, the X7's fuel economy ratings were slightly lower than the previous year, with 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The SUV's performance was characterized by smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, though its handling was sometimes hindered by excessive body motions.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered in RWD or 4WD configurations. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride over various road conditions. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, and during testing, it achieved 18.6 mpg. The SUV handled well in snowy and muddy conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated rear seats, five-zone climate control, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with standard heating elements, while the second-row captain's chairs provided ample comfort. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults, though accessing them required some maneuvering of the power seats. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded to 48.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with the second row collapsed.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable experience for passengers. The third-row seats remained spacious and supportive, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row down. The long-wheelbase version provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both utilizing 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, enhanced SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro with real-time traffic and parking information. The X7 also offered wireless smartphone charging, a natural voice-recognition system, and gesture control, though the latter was inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful feature, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and user experience. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with physical controls for volume and climate functions. Sync 4's voice recognition was generally accurate, though it occasionally struggled with specific commands. The Navigator's rear-seat entertainment system was upgraded with Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The SUV also featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, lane-control assist, and emergency stop assist. The Parking Assistance Package offered semi-automated parking assist, a surround-view camera, and a drive recorder system. The X7's safety systems were generally effective, though there were occasional issues with lane-maintenance technology.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though drivers were required to remain attentive. The Navigator's safety systems performed well during testing, though the need for driver vigilance remained.