2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its imposing presence and luxurious interior. Despite lacking significant updates since its last redesign in 2018 and a refresh in 2022, the Navigator maintained its appeal with features like the Monochromatic Package, which added black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The triple-black Navigator Reserve model, tested with the Reserve I option package, showcased a sophisticated cabin with real wood trim and chrome accents, though some switchgear failed to convey the luxury expected at its price point. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character to the otherwise all-black interior, while the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though pricey, went unused by tech-savvy teenagers.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW X5, with its last redesign in 2019, continued to age gracefully, though the M Sport treatment divided opinions. The test vehicle, an xDrive50e M Sport, featured Brooklyn Grey paint and optional 21-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. The 2024 model introduced a BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior with a reduction in physical controls and new transmission controls. The cabin, equipped with Sensafin artificial leather and sport seats, offered comfort and style, while the panoramic sunroof and Climate Comfort Package added to the luxury experience. Despite the lack of a third-row seat, the X5 provided ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, it offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension, however, failed to deliver a smooth ride, with the SUV feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but negatively impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size proved challenging in urban environments, with its nearly three-ton curb weight affecting braking performance on mountain roads.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid system, with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The adaptive damping air suspension effectively masked the vehicle's weight, providing a comfortable ride even with 21-inch wheels. The X5 excelled in Sport mode, delivering excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response. During testing, the PHEV achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg, making it an efficient and enjoyable choice for spirited driving.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the multitude of adjustments proved overwhelming, requiring frequent fiddling to achieve the perfect setting. The Navigator's storage solutions, including a large tray under the center console, added to its practicality. For those needing more cargo space, the extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more room behind the third-row seat.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e, a midsize luxury SUV, accommodated five passengers in two rows, with a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area expandable to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access items deep in the cargo hold. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which felt premium despite not being genuine leather. The Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation, enhancing passenger comfort. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades further improved the rear-seat experience, though the absence of a third-row seat limited its capacity compared to the Navigator.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator offered a suite of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system featured wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, accurately responding to commands, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided an immersive audio experience. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system went unused by tech-savvy passengers.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Running BMW Operating System 8.5, the infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, providing inaccurate directions and failing to locate nearby destinations. Despite these issues, the head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The reduction in physical controls, though, made the reliance on voice commands more critical.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring frequent driver intervention. In terms of crash-test ratings, the Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2024 BMW X5 added the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation through the infotainment screen and steering wheel controls. While effective in dense or light traffic, the system occasionally engaged the brakes without cause in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well on the Pacific Coast Highway, though hard braking occurred when encountering a parked truck. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the X5 high ratings, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 an overall crash-test rating of four stars.