2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt reduced the SUV's elegance and presence. Despite this, the rest of the updates were well-received, maintaining the Navigator's luxurious appeal. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display added to the vehicle's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover that was subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights were updated, with LED headlights standard and multi-beam LED headlights optional. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and riding on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded class and luxury, with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery and natural grain brown walnut trim, adding to its sophisticated feel.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered robust performance and a pleasing note under acceleration. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, developed a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided swift acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, with the ability to operate as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. The GLE's sophisticated steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, making long trips comfortable. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's independent rear suspension design contributed to its comfort. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo space.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space and comfort for adults in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e's light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel, with excellent outward visibility. The GLE offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. The optional third-row seat, available on the GLE 350 and GLE 450, was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added even more luxury touches, such as a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a more modern and user-friendly interface. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well, though not perfectly. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch, a control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, leading to occasional issues.

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. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed for automated parking, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. While ActiveGlide performed well, it required the driver to remain attentive.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.