2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor particularly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, although the lack of traditional controls posed a learning curve for new users. Over time, drivers acclimated to the vehicle's complexity, finding ways to operate it with minimal distraction.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its classic full-size SUV appeal, with a triple-black Reserve model that featured black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The Navigator's interior was all black, accented with real wood trim and chrome. The ambient lighting from the Reserve I package added character to the cabin. Despite its upscale appearance, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the luxury feel. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating across all three rows, making it a practical choice for families or those needing ample passenger space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was powered by 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 enhanced power and fuel efficiency. The EPA rated the GLE at 19 mpg in combined driving, though the test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes like Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further enhanced its performance. In urban settings, the GLE's speed-sensitive steering and tight turning radius made maneuvering easy, though the AMG Performance braking system required careful modulation for smooth stops. On challenging roads, the GLE's performance bits shone, with the AWD powertrain and upgraded brakes proving their worth.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the Navigator had an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve and Excite, with an adaptive damping suspension standard. In Normal mode, the Navigator's ride was less than agreeable, with the 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires contributing to a truck-like ride over bumps. Excite mode improved the ride quality and quickened the powertrain's response, though at the cost of fuel efficiency. On mountain roads, the Navigator felt smaller, with excellent visibility and impressive grip from the wide tires. However, the steering was slow, and the brakes struggled with the SUV's weight. In urban environments, the Navigator's size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe technically accommodated up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four, especially if the rear passengers were children. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage, ensuring comfort on long drives. Forward visibility was adequate, but rear visibility was limited, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone climate control system and a Warmth and Comfort Package.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seating across all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, which accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering 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 activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, and an upgraded Burmester 3D audio system.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator's technology suite included a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided rich sound. The Lincoln Way app and Phone As A Key technology allowed for digital key access. The Lincoln Play system offered rear-seat entertainment, though it was underutilized by passengers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE's safety systems were refined and accurate, though the route-based speed adaptation function was a source of irritation. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured advanced driving assistance systems in the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable systems included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise worked on designated highways but required driver intervention in certain situations. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.