2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, particularly in its AMG GLE 53 Coupe variant, made quite an impression with its style and design. The test vehicle showcased a Selenite Gray paint, complemented by 22-inch forged aluminum wheels and generous polished brightwork. While this design wasn't outright offensive, it did evoke the imagery of an athletic sneaker from certain angles, specifically from a front three-quarter view. The GLE 53 exuded athleticism and a premium flair, despite Mercedes shelving its V8-powered models for that year. This relegated buyers to the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, which started at $77,800 before adding the $1,050 destination charge. Fully equipped, our test vehicle surpassed the $100,000 mark.

Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe did not disappoint. The cabin was luxurious, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim that provided needed contrast. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment layout added a high-tech sheen to the sumptuous interior. However, the initial complexity of the vehicle's control scheme might have been intimidating for newcomers. Over time, though, drivers would acclimate, appreciating the ambient lighting that enhanced nighttime driving.

Conversely, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label trim model offered an attractive design, especially when paired with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. Its styling achieved a balance of character without leaning towards plainness. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence greeted drivers, adding a touch of elegance as you approached the vehicle.

The Black Label interior impressed with its Chalet design theme featured in our test vehicle. This included light gray premium leather upholstery, with alternatives like the new-for-2022 Flight design offering a sophisticated Luggage Tan color. The Black Label trim also infused a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, among other high-end amenities. While the overall interior felt decadent, some elements, like the center console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces, seemed a bit cheap.

Price-wise, the Nautilus spanned several trim levels. The base model began at $44,225, including the destination charge. The Black Label, starting at $66,825, included nearly every available feature, and our test vehicle's Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage brought the total to $68,325. The Nautilus proved ideal for long road trips, with a serene and accommodating cabin.

Under the hood of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe lay a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering a robust 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,800 rpm. This powerhouse, augmented by an EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, ensured both thrilling acceleration and fuel conservation. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, with our real-world test yielding 18.5 mpg.

The performance suite was extensive, including a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution, and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Off-road). The AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced ride quality, although the sporty AMG tuning and larger wheels did make for a less forgiving experience over rougher terrain. Despite some brake modulation challenges in traffic, the GLE Coupe felt taut, nimble, and composed across varied driving conditions.

In a different vein, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered varied engine options. The standard and Reserve trims came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a front-wheel-drive, eight-speed automatic setup, and optional all-wheel drive. The Black Label trim, however, featured a more potent twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with AWD as standard.

Drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—adjusted powertrain behavior, steering effort, and adaptive suspension tuning. During extensive road tests, the Nautilus exhibited a comfortable and cozy ride, especially equipped with massaging and heated seats. Fuel economy for the twin-turbo V6 was rated at 21 mpg combined, and the vehicle achieved an impressive 25 mpg over a lengthy road trip.

The Nautilus excelled as a road trip companion, boasting a quiet cabin and a high-quality Revel audio system. While Sport mode highlighted the SUV’s athletic side, the lack of engaging steering was a downside. Nevertheless, the SUV’s twin-turbocharged V6 ensured a spirited driving experience, enhanced by all-season tires providing solid grip.

The interior of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was designed for comfort and functionality, albeit with a somewhat cozy rear seat. While technically a five-seater, the back row was better suited for three children rather than adults. Front seats offered extensive power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort for long journeys or spirited drives. However, rear visibility was limited, necessitating reliance on the vehicle’s camera systems.

Cargo space in the GLE Coupe was ample with a 27.5 cubic-foot cargo hold, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. Compared to the standard GLE, this Coupe variant offered less space for a higher price, but one might only notice this shortfall if actively comparing the two.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label similarly impressed with its interior quality. Smooth leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a notably quiet cabin stood out. Both front seats featured heating, ventilation, and on our test model, the ultra-comfort 22-way power adjustments with massage functions. The rear outboard seats were also heated, and though the rear seats reclined and offered a high seating position, legroom was scarce for a midsize SUV.

Storage solutions within the Nautilus were adequate but not overly generous. The cargo area offered 37.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, extending to 68.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The practical hands-free power liftgate eased access to the luggage compartment, adding to the overall functionality.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe incorporated the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single glass pane. The setup included a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen, along with navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Standard equipment also included wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound system.

MBUX blended advanced technology with user-friendliness, thanks to intuitive graphics, logical menus, and multiple interaction methods. Natural voice recognition via the “Hey Mercedes” feature performed admirably, similar to popular digital assistants. However, the touchpad on the center console was prone to accidental activation. Optional upgrades like the MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition and an augmented video feature for navigation further enhanced the tech suite.

For the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, the standout feature was its 13.2-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 software, accompanied by a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The Sync 4 system offered over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Black Label test vehicle also included connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel premium audio system.

The Nautilus's user interface was intuitive, facilitating ease of use on long drives. The natural voice recognition feature worked well, and physical controls for stereo and climate systems were a welcomed touch. Additionally, features like Phone as a Key, which turns your smartphone into a digital key, added convenience though lacking ActiveGlide technology for semi-autonomous driving, which was available in other Lincoln models.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came equipped with a plethora of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. A unique feature, Pre Safe Sound, emitted a tone designed to protect hearing right before a collision. The Driver Assistance Package, with 15 additional driver support systems, ensured advanced safety, adding features such as Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist.

However, our test vehicle's adaptive cruise control with route-based speed adaptation was a source of frustration, often slowing the vehicle based on navigation data.

Though crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

In comparison, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, a suite of safety features including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label model included Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, adding adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, evasive steering assist, and a surround-view camera system.

During our tests, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems performed admirably, even in demanding weather conditions. However, the ActiveGlide technology seen in other models wasn’t available in the Nautilus. The NHTSA awarded the Nautilus a five-star overall safety rating, noting a four-star rating only for rollover resistance.