2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring a grille reminiscent of a 2006 Audi A4, which some felt reduced the Navigator's elegance. Despite this, the updates were generally well-received, with the new "single-frame" grille being a minor footnote in an otherwise successful update. Inside, the Navigator impressed with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's appeal, offering ample display space. The Navigator continued to be available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with MSRP starting at $78,405.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a mix of new and old, with the GLC 300 redesigned while the Coupe models remained unchanged. The GLC 300's exterior changes were subtle, with narrower taillights being the most noticeable update. The interior, however, received a significant makeover, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The design was modern and high-tech, with excellent materials quality. The GLC Coupe retained its first-generation interior, which aged well and offered some usability advantages. Overall, the GLC-Class maintained its traditional luxury appeal, though some desired more personality to distinguish it from its predecessor.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator's 4WD system, with 9.7 inches of ground clearance, handled snow and mud with ease. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was estimated at 18 mpg combined, with the test drive averaging 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with 30-way power adjustments and memory functions. The second-row captain's chairs offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the third-row seat provided roomy accommodations. The Navigator boasted generous storage and cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase version.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's front seats were well-shaped for long-distance comfort, with synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. The interior offered ample storage, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC provided plenty of space for front passengers, while rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was 21.9 cubic feet in the standard GLC, with the Coupe's sloping roofline reducing it to 17.6 cubic feet.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well, though not perfectly. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's interior featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well within its operational limits but required driver attention.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300's crash-test results were not yet available, but the previous model received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Coupe offered similar safety features.