2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers gave it unique front and rear styling, along with the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that welcomed owners with sequential illumination. The Navigator featured a distinctive lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights. Black roof pillars created a wraparound glass appearance, enhancing its upscale look. The Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom touch with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator boasted a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a mid-century modern dashboard, and a panoramic glass roof, all contributing to its luxurious flagship SUV status.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE's exterior design was less impressive, with a rushed appearance that lacked the elegance of its competitors. Despite improvements, the GLE still struggled to match the proportions of rivals like BMW and Audi. However, the interior was a masterpiece, featuring high-quality materials and a striking red and black color scheme. The GLE Coupe, tested for 2021, offered a more streamlined design than its predecessor. The interior boasted twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede, creating a sense of luxury. Despite some flimsy controls, the GLE's interior exuded a pampering atmosphere, though it required significant options to feel truly opulent.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. A 10-speed automatic transmission directed power to the rear wheels, with an option for four-wheel drive. Lincoln Drive Modes tailored the powertrain for various driving conditions, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, and more. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The SUV's acceleration was strong, though the engine lacked the V8 rumble. Fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 18 mpg combined estimate. The Navigator excelled on open roads, with excellent body motion control, but felt large around town.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a complex suspension and engine setup, with five suspension configurations. The base GLE 350 used a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 featured AIRMATIC with self-leveling air springs. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control provided advanced handling capabilities. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe tested had an electric supercharger for instant throttle response. Most GLE models were hybrids, with a 48-volt battery powering various functions. The GLE 350 had 255 hp, while the GLE 450 offered 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 reached 429 hp, and the GLE 580 had 483 hp. The AMG GLE 63 S topped the range with 603 hp. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with impressive towing capacity and ride quality.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space for passengers. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, though finding the right settings took time. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with a large center console available. Triple-zone climate control ensured comfort across all rows, and the third row provided excellent legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements significantly.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was primarily a two-row SUV, with an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. Second-row passengers enjoyed power controls for recline and headrests. The Coupe version seated five, with limited space in the middle. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe's sloping roofline reduced space, and large rear tires hindered graceful exits. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with seat controls on the doors and rocker switches for suspension settings. The GLE required setup before driving, but it was less complicated than its predecessor.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, with slow loading times. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well, though not as naturally as some competitors. The Reserve's Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, providing a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, capable of reading hand gestures. The system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. AMG models included a Track Pace app for racing enthusiasts. The GLE offered numerous comfort features, including seat kinetics, perfume canisters, and heated armrests. The head-up display and instrument panel were customizable, with sharp displays. Ambient lighting added a touch of luxury, and the navigation system projected directions onto the front camera feed. The GLE's natural voice assistant responded to "Mercedes" and learned new commands over time. Semi-automated functionality and a host of electronic features made the GLE highly advanced.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning with trailer coverage, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance was effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the rollover resistance rating was three stars for RWD models. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating, with top scores in six crash tests, headlights, and standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, and front cross-traffic braking. The GLE offered semi-automated control and Pre-Safe Sound, which played "pink noise" to reduce hearing damage in a crash. Pre-Safe Impulse Side was available on higher trims, inflating side bolsters for better protection in side impacts. The GLE's brakes and stability control were highly advanced.