2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC (later replaced by the Corsair), marked a return to real vehicle names, signaling Lincoln's departure from the alphabet-soup naming convention. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's lineup, with handsome headlights and an upright chrome grille. Its tapering roofline and low, wide beltline gave it an elongated, almost boat-like appearance. Inside, the Aviator boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective brightwork, evoking a sense of Golden Age luxury without overdoing it. The seats were both elegant and sturdy, with shifter buttons resembling piano keys. The cabin was plush, with soft-touch materials extending even to areas where they weren't necessary, indicating a deep commitment to luxury. Unique touches like a massive panoramic moonroof and warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra showcased Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, introduced in its third generation for the 2020 model year, carried over to 2021 with a more svelte appearance than its predecessors. The GLS featured softened angles and lines, with visual tricks to make it look smaller than it was. Inside, the GLS had a beamy, futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant controls. The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 included remote keyless entry, remote start, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The AMG GLS 63, with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, stood out with a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel and a leather strip at top-dead-center, inspired by motorsport.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trim combined this engine with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a net 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was AWD only. Both versions could accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The Grand Touring's hybrid setup provided smooth, confident acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a combined 23 mpg and a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes were cushioned, offering a refined driving experience. Fuel economy for the conventional Aviator with RWD was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version achieved 17 mpg city, 24 highway, and 20 combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, making 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both engines used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, produced 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. All engines included Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The GLS 63 featured an adaptive, adjustable air suspension system, allowing for better cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS had multiple drive-mode settings, controlled by a dial and buttons on the sport steering wheel, inspired by Mercedes' F1 race cars. The GLS offered a hushed, composed ride, even on rough roads, and handled like a smaller car.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three rows of seating, competed with the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Land Rover Discovery, and Cadillac XT6. The optional second-row captain's chairs were fantastic, while the power-closing third row was adequate for adults but best suited for kids on longer trips. With the second and third rows folded, the Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Cadillac XT6. The Aviator's seats and door handles were somewhat confusing, with seat controls split between a door-mounted panel and the center touchscreen. The door-release function was also unconventional, with a button instead of a handle, which could be confusing for passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS had three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, but optional second-row captain's chairs reduced capacity to six. The third row was less spacious but still suitable for full-size adults. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The GLS had more cargo space than the rival BMW X7 but less than the Cadillac Escalade. The driver and front passenger enjoyed plenty of storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad. The center console, with butterfly doors, was large enough for small items but not a purse.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with the Sync 3 infotainment system, operated via a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Unlike the Ford Explorer's portrait layout, the Aviator's screen used a conventional landscape layout, providing a better interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator also featured a fully digital instrument panel and a massive head-up display, offering a lot of information in a minimalist and unobtrusive manner.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the new MBUX infotainment system, with a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but required a USB-C cable for connection. The MBUX voice-control system could understand complex commands and was activated by saying "Mercedes" or "Hey Mercedes." The GLS's digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel, offering various display options.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a full array of front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured stop-and-go cruise control and a full array of front-and-side-impact airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.