Compare the2023 BMW X5 xDrive45eVS 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The X5 xDrive45e’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Aviator doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The X5 xDrive45e has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Aviator doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the X5 xDrive45e. But it costs extra on the Aviator.

Both the X5 xDrive45e and the Aviator have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X5 xDrive45e is safer than the Lincoln Aviator:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The X5 xDrive45e’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Aviator’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 xDrive45e for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Lincoln only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Aviator.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lincoln is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 14 places higher in reliability than Lincoln.

The X5 xDrive45e’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 28 lbs.-ft. more torque (443 vs. 415) than the Aviator’s standard 3.0 turbo V6.

The X5 xDrive45e can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 31 miles. The Aviator Grand Touring has to start its internal combustion engine after only 21 miles.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW X5 xDrive45e higher (7 out of 10) than the Lincoln Aviator (5 to 7). This means the X5 xDrive45e produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Aviator every 15,000 miles.

The X5 xDrive45e’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Aviator doesn’t offer launch control.

For better traction, the X5 xDrive45e has larger standard tires than the Aviator (265/50R19 vs. 255/60R19).

The X5 xDrive45e’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Aviator’s standard 60 series tires. The X5 xDrive45e’s optional 315/35R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Aviator’s optional 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X5 xDrive45e can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Aviator doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The front and rear suspension of the X5 xDrive45e uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Aviator, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The X5 xDrive45e is 5 inches shorter than the Aviator, making the X5 xDrive45e easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The X5 xDrive45e has a much larger cargo volume than the Aviator with its rear seat up (33.1 vs. 18.3 cubic feet).

The X5 xDrive45e’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Aviator’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

The X5 xDrive45e’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Aviator’s (5952 vs. 5600 pounds).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Lincoln. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 12% lower rating, Lincoln is ranked 12th.

The X5 xDrive45e has a standard locking fuel and charge port door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Aviator doesn’t offer a locking fuel/charge port door.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X5 xDrive45e to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Aviator doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

When the X5 xDrive45e is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Aviator’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The BMW X5 outsold the Lincoln Aviator by almost three to one during the 2021 model year.