2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS carried over from its third generation, which began in 2020. Initially introduced as the GL-Class in 2006, it was meant to replace the G-Class, but the latter's popularity kept it around. The GLS, with its three rows and luxurious interior, became a family-friendly alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The name change from GL to GLS happened midway through its second generation. Despite being a large SUV, the 2021 GLS appeared less bulky than its predecessors due to softened angles and lines. Inside, it featured a futuristic cabin with 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 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. Various option packages added features like ventilated front seats and heated armrests. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine and more luxury features, while the AMG GLS 63 stood out with aggressive bodywork and a performance-inspired interior. The AMG model also featured a motorsport-inspired steering wheel with a leather stripe on an Alcantara wheel.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus evolved from the second-generation Lincoln MKX, which shared its platform with the Ford Edge. The MKX was facelifted and renamed Nautilus in 2019, moving away from alphanumeric naming and adopting more attractive styling. For 2021, the exterior remained the same, but the cabin received a significant update. The new dash design featured clean lines, soft materials, and a large touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was unconventional but easy to use, though the stop-start button's location required some getting used to.

The standard 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system was user-friendly and similar to Ford's SYNC 3, with almost no learning curve. The screen's glossy finish reflected the bright work in the center console, making sunglasses a handy accessory. The Nautilus came in three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label. The Standard trim included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, a power liftgate, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Reserve trim added features like a hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Black Label trim included a twin-turbo V6, AWD, and a 19-speaker premium stereo system. Our Black Label test vehicle featured 22-way Multi-Contour front seats, a cargo utility package, and enhanced active park assist.

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, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission. 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 AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. The adaptive air suspension system allowed for adjustable ground clearance, enhancing cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63 also featured double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, providing precise cornering. Multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for customized driving experiences. The E-Active Body Control option ensured a smooth ride over rough roads, making the GLS maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The Reserve and Black Label trims offered a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, generating 355 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine had standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional AWD, while the twin-turbo V6 came standard with AWD.

The twin-turbo V6 provided excellent power, especially at highway speeds, with smooth and controlled acceleration. The adaptive suspension minimized road bumps while maintaining firmness through corners. The engine stop-start feature conserved fuel but caused a slight delay in response. Overall, the Nautilus offered a pleasant driving experience in various scenarios.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The front-row seats had door-mounted controls, while the rear seats provided plenty of space. 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. Total cargo space reached 87.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The GLS also featured numerous storage compartments and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus provided up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, more than the Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac XT5. With the rear seats in use, it offered 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space. A power liftgate was standard, with an available hands-free option. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom in the rear seats. The front seats were especially comfortable, with available 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units. The center console and door handles featured soft-touch materials, enhancing comfort. The Nautilus also had a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for storage.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the new MBUX infotainment system, with a central trackpad and a massive touch screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring a USB-C cable for connection. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like “Find me a gas station” or “find me a seafood restaurant.” The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel. The system had a learning curve but made the technology more manageable once mastered.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy use. The available wireless charging pad enhanced the phone-car relationship. The Revel 19-speaker premium audio system provided excellent sound quality. The system was user-friendly, with a helpful home button to navigate back to the main screen.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous 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 GLS also had stop-and-go cruise control and a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus included the CoPilot360 package, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional available features included adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, a surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. However, the standard backup camera had low quality, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions.