2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS carried over the third generation introduced in 2020. Originally launched as the GL-Class in 2006, it was meant to replace the G-Class, but the latter's popularity kept it around. The GLS evolved into a luxurious, family-friendly SUV with three rows of seating. The name change from GL to GLS happened midway through its second generation. The 2021 model featured softened angles and lines, making it appear less bulky. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin with a massive digital screen spanning two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant controls.

The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. The GLS 450 came with numerous standard features, including remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. The GLS 580 added V8 power and more luxury features like massaging front seats and soft-close doors. The AMG GLS 63 stood out with aggressive bodywork, a quad-outlet exhaust, and a performance-inspired interior with a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, introduced as a 2020 model, continued with its sharp design and heavy use of chrome. It avoided emulating its rivals' styles, instead adopting the successful design language of the Navigator. The Aviator's interior was defined by comfort and warmth, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen dominating the dash. The piano button shifter added a unique touch, and the soothing chimes for alerts contributed to the luxury feel.

The Aviator came in five trims: Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, and Black Label Grand Touring. The Standard trim included features like synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Reserve trim added upgraded leather, four-zone climate control, and a 12-speaker Revel stereo system. The Grand Touring trim, which we tested, featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, adaptive headlights, and Lincoln's Multi-Contour Seats with massaging function. The Black Label trims added more luxury features and nearly every optional feature as standard equipment.

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 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63 had a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission. All engines included Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and had a top speed of 174 mph. It featured an adaptive air suspension system, multiple drive modes, and E-Active Body Control for a smooth ride.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator's Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims were equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Power was routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, increasing output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration and a smooth swell of power. The Aviator had a drive mode selector with unique names like "Excite" and "Conserve," and was best suited for highways and cul-de-sacs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered 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 adults. The GLS had 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed plenty of storage compartments, including a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad and a center console with butterfly doors.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, increasing to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The second row was particularly comfortable, with captain's chairs, a center console, and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, but raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but required a USB-C cable. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" and could be activated by saying "Mercedes" or "Hey Mercedes." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system. The screen had a landscape format, making for a natural layout. The system was easy to use, with a sensible menu layout and redundant controls in the center stack. The Aviator came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and our test model included an optional head-up display with large, crisp graphics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a host of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard features included 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 2021 Lincoln Aviator came well-equipped with standard driver assistance features as part of the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package. This included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Our Grand Touring test model included the Co-Pilot 360 Plus package, adding reverse automatic braking, self-parking functionality, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.