2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch to the cabin, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. The introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the luxury SUV market.

The 2023 BMW X7 received a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The new front-end styling, with LED accent lights and recessed headlights, was polarizing, with some finding it less graceful. The interior saw significant updates, including a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, and a new gear selector. The materials used were of high quality, with options for leather upholstery and Sensafin synthetic substitutes. While the glossy wood and carbon fiber trims caused glare, the matte and open-pore wood alternatives added warmth to the cabin. The X7's interior revisions gave it a modern and elegant appearance, despite the controversial exterior changes.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the wheelbase and drivetrain. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator's four-wheel drive, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension made it capable in various driving conditions, including snow and mud. It achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 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 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The X7's handling was limited by its weight and ride height but remained composed and confident. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement. Overall, the X7 offered a good blend of performance and comfort.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable experience for passengers. The third-row seat was roomy and supportive, making it more comfortable than its competitors. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more cargo space.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Accessing the third row required some time, but it offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. The cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 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 for personal items, with a large center console bin and well-sized cupholders.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system allowed users to save settings to a user profile, and the voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was less intuitive than previous versions. Many physical buttons were replaced with touchscreen controls, making it challenging to access certain functions. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. The system's complexity detracted from the overall user experience, and more physical buttons for frequently used features would have been appreciated.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but still required human oversight.

The 2023 BMW X7's safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, and options included adaptive cruise control and a highway driving assist feature. The safety systems performed well, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses, and the highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips.