2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims. Its design featured a new grille reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, with LED lighting extending through the grille to illuminate the Lincoln star logo. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, boasting a full-width screen as its crown jewel, complemented by high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint and black exterior trim.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 showcased a seductive design for a two-box SUV, with a long hood and athletic proportions. The Arctic Race Blue paint and machined surface wheel finish added to its allure. Inside, the X3 featured a simple yet spacious cabin with a BMW Curved Display housing a digital instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment system. The Veganza artificial leather seats were comfortable, though the rear seats were less so. The cargo area was practical, with a lightweight cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $1,500, a hybrid setup offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid's CVT was smooth, and the vehicle featured five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The X3's 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved responsiveness, while the M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided a dynamic driving experience, though the ride quality was firm on imperfect roads.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the Black Label model featuring 24-way Perfect Position seats with massage and extended heating functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, and the Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space was ample, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior felt spacious, with a simple dashboard and BMW Curved Display. The front seats were power-adjustable and comfortable, though rear seats were less so. The cargo area offered 31.5 cubic feet of space, with practical features like a grocery bag hook and illumination. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 48-inch curved display with customizable sections for navigation and vehicle information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The inclusion of Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates enhanced the tech experience, though some controls were distracting.

The 2025 BMW X3's iDrive 9 software offered a Quick Select user experience, though our test vehicle experienced issues with profile creation and system responsiveness. The navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions, and wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. Despite frustrations with the native infotainment features, the system showed potential for improvement.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, with Blue Cruise 1.2 technology available for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, with options for adaptive cruise control, Parking Assistant, and Driving Assistant Professional. The Traffic Jam Assistant system was effective, though it occasionally frustrated other drivers. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with room for improvement in frontal-impact crash tests.