2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS in its base GLS 450 form presented a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to the chrome-laden Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, or Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes confidently avoided a gaudy grille, unlike the BMW X7 or Lexus LX. However, other GLS models offered more visual drama. The AMG GLS 63 performance model featured flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, prominent rectangular exhaust tips, and AMG-specific 21-inch wheels. The Maybach version was adorned with chrome, a traditional hood ornament, power running boards, and massive 23-inch wheels.

Inside, the GLS 450’s interior, though fairly basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The intricate speaker grilles and rectangular air vents added a rugged touch. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were housed under one piece of glass, framed nicely by the upright dashboard. Overall, the GLS 450’s interior felt high quality and appropriate for a luxury SUV, even if it was a bit subdued for some tastes.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice of powertrains, starting with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models combined this V6 with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, a 75-kilowatt electric motor, and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing standard AWD. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, with our test model, the Black Label Grand Touring, priced at $91,225.

The Aviator’s design was appealing, with the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and electric, light-touch door handles adding a touch of elegance. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring was undeniably fancy, featuring patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. However, some chrome detailing and stitching appeared cheap, and the key fob felt too inexpensive for a luxury vehicle. Despite these minor issues, the Aviator’s interior was mostly high-end, with soft leather, padded surfaces, and a swanky simulated suede headliner.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and assisted by Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450’s six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to a bouncy and leaning ride.

Mercedes was expected to resume production of the GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, all featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, with the AMG version producing up to 603 hp. All GLS models came with standard 4Matic AWD, with the AMG GLS 63 featuring a performance-tuned drivetrain. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but slightly behind some rivals like the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor and battery, generating an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimated a 21-mile electric driving range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Aviator offered multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Tow/Haul.

During an extended evaluation drive, the Aviator Grand Touring demonstrated its ability to maximize efficiency, achieving an equivalent of 163.4 mpg during electric driving and averaging 24.3 mpg over a longer distance. The drivetrain provided plenty of power, but its response was sometimes unpredictable, with occasional delays in acceleration. The brake pedal also exhibited inconsistent behavior due to the regenerative braking system.

The Aviator’s Dynamic Handling Package, with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, successfully managed the SUV’s added weight, providing a flat and predictable cornering stance. However, despite its commendable handling traits, the Aviator wasn’t particularly fun to drive, even in the more aggressive Excite mode. The steering was heavy and numb, but the Aviator excelled in providing a quiet, smooth, and isolating ride.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The GLS’ cargo space was slightly behind larger rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, but it featured one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate for easy loading. The air suspension could also lower to facilitate cargo loading. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being too far away to reach easily and the center console grab handles lacking a clear purpose.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and automatic heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The massaging, 30-way Perfect Position front seats were highly comfortable, and the second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, with a center console providing storage and controls for the panoramic sunroof’s shade.

However, the Aviator’s third-row seat was not suitable for adults, with limited kneeroom and legroom, and a flat bottom cushion offering no leg support. The second-row captain’s chairs didn’t slide forward much, making third-row access difficult. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 77.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with an optional head-up display. The voice recognition system, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” was the easiest to use, understanding normal speech well.

However, the touchpad controller was too sensitive and difficult to use, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good graphics, but the GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature available in the latest S-Class sedan.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect connected services, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. However, it ran Lincoln’s outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The system had difficulty finding nearby locations and required specific phrasing for addresses.

The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and the Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were effective, and the front and rear parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful. However, the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The driver aids performed well on straight highways with light traffic but were less dependable in dense traffic and wide freeways. The IIHS awarded the standard Aviator a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating.