2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, particularly the AMG GLE 53 variant, presented a design that was neither offensive nor groundbreaking. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sleek appearance, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker from certain angles. Despite the absence of the more powerful AMG GLE 63 S Coupe due to Mercedes' decision to shelve many V8 models, the GLE 53 Coupe still offered a luxurious interior. It featured high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated and tech-savvy environment. However, the complexity of its controls required some acclimation for new users.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome sequence. While the front end's Audi-esque grille was a rare misstep, the rest of the updates were successful. Inside, the Navigator dazzled 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 and the Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview further enhanced the driving experience. The Navigator's interior remained spacious and comfortable, with a focus on luxury and convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, while the test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe boasted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution. It offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Off-road, and featured an AMG sport exhaust system. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes enhanced its performance capabilities, making it nimble and composed in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. Its towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview improved ride quality, while the new electronic brake booster enhanced braking performance. During testing, the Navigator effortlessly climbed elevations and handled snow and mud with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg, and the test vehicle achieved 18.6 mpg.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom for adults, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Available comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system and a Warmth and Comfort Package with heated armrests.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were newly massaging, heated, and ventilated, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat remained spacious and supportive, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 103.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, including a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition and an augmented video feature for navigation.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a modern interface with two data panels for navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use. Sync 4 supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and its voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though crash-test results were unavailable.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was standard. Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection provided additional safety measures, while Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed for automated parking. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, offered hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, drivers were required to remain attentive.