2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued to embody the brand's commitment to luxury and functionality, even as it awaited a future electric transformation. Despite the pressure from competitors like Cadillac, the Navigator maintained its classic design with minimal changes since its last refresh in 2022. The 2023 model featured a triple-black Navigator Reserve trim, equipped with a Monochromatic Package that included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the cabin was adorned with black leather, real wood trim, and chrome accents, offering an upscale feel. However, some chrome plastic elements fell short of conveying true luxury. The Navigator's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ambient lighting adding character to the Reserve I package.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC took a more conservative approach with its redesign, maintaining a familiar look to avoid alienating its loyal fanbase. The GLC's exterior featured subtle updates, such as new taillights and repositioned door handles, while the interior boasted a sumptuous design with two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC's cabin was gadget-heavy, with an emphasis on technology and screens, catering to those who appreciate a tech-forward environment. The AMG GLC 43 model, in particular, showcased a sporty grille and performance-oriented features, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a dynamic driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by 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 drivetrain, it offered a range of driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a tendency to float over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, especially on winding roads, and its size proved cumbersome in tight spaces.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's V6. The GLC 43's AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission offered faster shifts, enhancing performance driving. However, the rougher shifts and performance suspension made it less suitable for daily commuting. The GLC 300, with its 255 horsepower, provided a more balanced option for those seeking a comfortable ride. The GLC's standard four-wheel steering and sporty nature appealed to enthusiasts, while the base GLC 300 offered a more relaxed driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across all three rows and an extended body style for increased cargo capacity. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided customizable comfort. However, the multitude of adjustments could be overwhelming, and finding the perfect setting required patience. The Navigator's storage options were generous, with ample space for passengers and cargo. The extended-length Navigator L model offered even more cargo room, making it ideal for families and long trips.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls and displays angled toward the driver. The GLC offered standard heated and memory front seats, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. Cargo space in the GLC SUV was 21.9 cubic feet, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe, with its sloping roofline, offered less cargo space but maintained a hatchback-like configuration for versatility. The GLC's interior was well-appointed, with a focus on luxury and technology.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a navigation system and Alexa Built-in. The Navigator's voice recognition system was highly effective, easily handling various commands. However, the wireless smartphone charger tended to overheat devices. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided exceptional sound quality, and the Lincoln Way app allowed for digital key functionality. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though available, was largely ignored by passengers in favor of personal devices.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit centered around an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. The system's voice command functionality was impressive, responding accurately to "Hey Mercedes" prompts. The GLC offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an augmented reality nav feature available on higher trims. The GLC's tech options included an Advanced USB package, expanding connectivity options for passengers.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise had limitations, struggling with curves and construction zones, and requiring 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, but lacked a full crashworthiness assessment.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with its standard front crash-prevention system receiving an "Acceptable" rating. The GLC's standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent collision. Optional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist, were available through the Driver Assistance Package. The GLC's safety credentials were strong, though the NHTSA had not yet tested this generation.