2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 BMW X5

$53,940 · Crossover

$67,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus beckons with serene luxury and smart efficiency, offering a compelling entry point at an MSRP of $53,940 and achieving 24 combined MPG. It’s a calm haven designed for sophisticated cruising. Conversely, the 2026 BMW X5 unleashes raw performance, boasting a staggering 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, albeit at a premium MSRP of $67,600 and slightly lower fuel economy. The Nautilus provides generous utility with 36.4 cu ft of cargo space, slightly edging out the X5’s 33.9 cu ft. However, the X5’s substantial 125 hp advantage ensures a much sharper drive. This comparison pits accessible, comfortable refinement against aggressive, dynamic power, separated by a significant $13,660 price gulf.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus offers superior efficiency at 24 combined MPG, which translates to lower running costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus offers slightly more utility with 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the X5's 33.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW X5

The BMW X5 is the definitive choice for performance enthusiasts, packing 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

With a starting MSRP nearly $14,000 lower than the competition, the Nautilus delivers excellent features for the price.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

You prioritize long-term fuel savings, as the Nautilus achieves 24 combined MPG.
Budget is a primary concern, given the $53,940 MSRP versus the X5's higher price.
You need practical cargo room, as the Nautilus offers 36.4 cubic feet of storage.

Choose the BMW X5 if...

You demand exhilarating acceleration provided by the X5's 375 horsepower output.
You prefer a dynamic driving feel associated with the X5's rear-wheel-drive architecture.
You are comfortable paying a premium for significantly higher performance figures, evidenced by 398 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Nautilus	BMW X5
Length	193.2"	194.2"
Width	76.9"	78.9"
Height	68.2"	69.1"
Wheelbase	114.2"	117.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Brake Drying	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	250 hp @ 5500 rpm	375 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/580.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.0 gal.	21.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	10
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Infotainment Display	—	14.9 in
Stereo Power	—	205W
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	43.5 in.	39.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.9 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	56.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Cooling	✓	—
Passenger Seat Cooling	✓	—
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.1 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	60.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P255/60R19	275/45R
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	20 x 9.0 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lincoln	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and 2026 BMW X5.

What is the key performance difference between the 2025 Nautilus and the 2026 X5?

The BMW X5 delivers a massive power advantage, producing 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The Lincoln Nautilus offers a more modest 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, making the X5 the superior choice for sheer acceleration.

How much more does the 2026 BMW X5 cost initially?

The X5 carries a substantial price premium, starting at an MSRP of $67,600 compared to the Lincoln Nautilus's $53,940. This represents a $13,660 difference right at the entry point.

Is the Lincoln Nautilus more fuel-efficient for city driving?

Yes, while both require premium fuel, the Nautilus is more efficient overall with 24 combined MPG (21 city/29 highway). The X5's specific MPG figures were not provided, but its higher power output generally suggests lower efficiency.

Which vehicle offers more overall space for luggage?

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus provides slightly more maximum utility, boasting 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 BMW X5 trails marginally with 33.9 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.

What does the difference in drive type mean for handling?

The Nautilus utilizes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for consistent traction in various conditions, while the X5 uses Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), which enthusiasts often favor for a more balanced and engaging dynamic feel.

Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?

Both vehicles are equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear changes, though the software tuning will differ greatly between the luxury-focused Lincoln and the performance-oriented BMW.