2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in its Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, was an attractive SUV that balanced character and elegance without appearing awkward or plain. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of sophistication when approaching the vehicle at night. Inside, the Black Label model offered a choice between the Chalet and Flight design themes, with our test vehicle featuring light gray premium leather upholstery in the Chalet theme. The interior was luxurious, with a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, although some chrome-plated plastic pieces detracted from the overall opulence.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The new LED accent lights and recessed headlights gave it a controversial front-end appearance, while the sides and rear remained largely unchanged. The interior received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, and a more elemental dashboard design. The X7's interior materials were of high quality, with supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. However, the glossy wood and carbon fiber trim choices caused harsh reflections, making the matte and open-pore wood alternatives more appealing.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options. The standard and Reserve models came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Black Label trim featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine delivering 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, requiring all-wheel drive. The Nautilus provided Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with the adaptive suspension adjusting accordingly. The twin-turbo V6 achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, with a maximum highway range of 450 miles. During a road trip, the Nautilus averaged 25 mpg, proving to be a quiet and comfortable road-tripper.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate performance from the six-cylinder. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, but it maintained a good balance of performance and comfort.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered exceptional comfort, even on long drives. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus provided 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 68.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some time, but it provided adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage space, with a large covered bin and well-sized cupholders.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. It offered over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Black Label model included connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls, and a natural voice recognition system.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with the latest iDrive infotainment system, which had a more complex menu structure. Many physical buttons were eliminated, requiring users to navigate the infotainment screen for basic functions. Voice commands were available but took time to process. The system's complexity detracted from its usability, and more physical buttons for frequently used features would have been appreciated.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2023 BMW X7's crash test results were unavailable, but it featured a comprehensive list of safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and a highway driving assist feature. The safety features performed well, reducing driver fatigue on long trips.