2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the temptation to mimic its competitors. It carried forward the sharp styling of the Navigator, characterized by crisp lines and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator offered a warm and comfortable cabin, distinct from its Ford counterpart, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that elegantly dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the luxury feel, while various trims offered a range of features from synthetic leather upholstery to massaging front seats.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded a sense of prestige and technological sophistication. It boasted a high-quality interior with premium materials and intuitive controls. The X7's styling was appealing, with traditional BMW cues and a massive grille that suited its large SUV stature. Inside, the X7 shared similarities with the X5 but offered a more luxurious experience, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a five-zone climate control system, and ample space for adults in the third row. The X7's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with an electric range of up to 21 miles. The Aviator provided smooth acceleration and a comfortable ride, though its long wheelbase made maneuvering in tight spaces challenging. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to improve fuel economy, though EPA ratings showed a slight decrease. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering smooth and serene driving. The Dynamic Handling Package enhanced maneuverability and stability, while the self-leveling air suspension provided a comfortable ride. Despite its weight, the X7 demonstrated effortless speed and fluidity on highways.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 77.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The second row offered exceptional comfort, especially with captain's chairs and a digital control panel. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated seats, a five-zone climate control system, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The third row accommodated adults comfortably, though accessing it required some seat adjustments. The X7 provided 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though it fell short of class leaders.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information.

The 2021 BMW X7 came with Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both using 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and enhanced SiriusXM 360L. The "Hey BMW" voice recognition was responsive, though gesture control was inconsistent. The head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was well-equipped with standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The X7's advanced driving assistance systems were accurate and smooth, though some specific situations revealed minor issues. Overall, the X7's safety technology was impressive.