2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC showcased a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, a design language that Mercedes-Benz had consistently applied across its portfolio. The GLC's long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. The cabin was equally impressive, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated automotive packaging to an art form. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover “coupe” body styles, with the latter offering a sharp look at the expense of cargo space. Standard features on the GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, while the interior boasted synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and a few chrome accents, creating a classy look. The interior was a testament to luxury, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with the ability to house six adults comfortably. The front seats were highly adjustable and offered a range of features, including massage programs. The Navigator's large windows and high driving position provided excellent visibility, although parking could be challenging due to its size. The rear seats were heated, and the second row had an optional console with integrated climate and stereo controls.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC offered a balanced driving experience with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The AMG GLC43 featured a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC63 offered a twin-turbo V8 with up to 503 horsepower in the 63 S variant. These AMG models provided sports car-like performance, with impressive acceleration and cornering capabilities.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly sprightly for its size. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and it offered a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the RWD model. However, the Navigator's fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens. The adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors. The steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac Escalade, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC provided decent rear-seat space, with adequate legroom and headroom in the SUV variant. The interior featured a well-designed center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders, making good use of its space.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. The cargo space was impressive, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage, with up to 120 cubic feet. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and offered a range of features, including massage programs. However, the second-row seats did not electrically recline, and there were no side window shades.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive and offered both touch and controller options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to newer systems. The instrument panel lacked full-screen maps and different designs, and the cameras were low-resolution. The infotainment system did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, and the voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connection options.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. However, the parking and proximity sensors were overly sensitive and could be distracting.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as competitors.