2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its classic design with minimal changes since its last redesign in 2018 and refresh in 2022. The test model, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Despite its sleek appearance, the Infinite Black color proved challenging to keep clean. Inside, the Navigator's cabin exuded an upscale feel with quality materials, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of luxury expectations. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character to the otherwise all-black interior, while the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though a pricey option, went unused by the test passengers.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE showcased subtle yet effective aesthetic updates, including sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch to the exterior, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with an option for 21-inch wheels. Inside, the GLE's cabin retained the classic Mercedes-Benz elegance, though it lacked the futuristic vibe of the brand's newer electric models. The open-pore walnut trim, paired with Bahia Brown seating, gave the interior a retro feel, which could be remedied by choosing lighter leather options. Overall, the GLE's design balanced luxury with a touch of sportiness.

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. The SUV's EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 15.6 mpg. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an additional Hill Climb mode available with the towing package. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floaty over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban settings, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, the 450e was slightly slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to the added weight of its 23.3-kWh battery. The battery allowed for an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, with the potential for 55 miles after charging. The GLE 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with options for Hybrid and Battery Hold modes. While the Sport mode didn't significantly enhance driving dynamics, the GLE offered a comfortable commute. The 450e's 11-kW onboard charger enabled a full charge in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and it could also accept a 60-kW DC fast charge for road trips.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, which featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. While the front seats were comfortable, their numerous adjustments could be overwhelming. The Navigator's storage options were plentiful, with large trays and covered compartments maintaining a clean interior look. For those needing extra cargo space, the extended-length Navigator L model provided significantly more room behind the third-row seat and throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e compensated for its lack of driving dynamics with luxurious interior features. Standard heated front seats were enhanced with ventilation and massage functions, while heated and cooled cup holders catered to beverage preferences. The cabin remained quiet on highways, and the Burmester stereo system provided a premium audio experience. However, the non-extending sun visors were a notable omission in this luxury SUV. The GLE offered ample cargo space, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. The SUV's towing capacity of 7,700 pounds was supported by the new Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology, simplifying trailer handling.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a widescreen head-up display and dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. While the digital assistant performed well, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices, leading to its disuse. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered exceptional sound quality, and the Lincoln Way app allowed for digital key access, though the rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The system's menu was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice command capabilities. The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays, while the off-road page offered detailed vehicle information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. The GLE also featured numerous USB-C ports for device charging.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions and required frequent driver intervention. 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 GLE offered a range of advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the GLE top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.