2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, while the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new Coupes expected for the 2024 model year. The changes in the GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights, making it easy to mistake for the first-generation model from 2016. Despite this, the GLC maintained its classy and timeless design, though some might have wished for a bit more personality to distinguish the new model from its predecessor. The interior saw a more significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel, aligning with newer Mercedes models. The materials and construction quality remained excellent, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued without significant updates since its last redesign in 2018 and refresh in 2022. The Navigator maintained its luxurious and spacious interior, with the test vehicle being a triple-black Navigator Reserve model. It featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, though keeping it clean proved challenging. The interior was upscale, with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, though some chrome plastic switchgear fell short of conveying luxury. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character at night. The Navigator's cabin was comfortable and used quality materials, but the chrome plastic on some switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was limited to the GLC 300 trim, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive as standard, while the 4Matic all-wheel-drive was available. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for the class. The brake pedal was a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, providing a smooth ride with a nearly silent cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with an older engine, also producing 255 hp, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 385 hp, providing a sportier option with a firmer ride.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with 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 had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined, but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator offered five drive modes, with an adaptive damping suspension standard. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. The Excite mode improved handling but reduced fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, with excellent visibility and impressive grip, though the steering was slow and lifeless, and the brakes struggled with the SUV's weight. In urban settings, the Navigator's size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options, featuring synthetic leather upholstery that mimicked genuine hides. The interior provided sufficient storage, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC had ample space for taller passengers in the front, while the rear seats accommodated average adults, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than rivals, but adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and lowered rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in 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 power-adjustable front seats provided comfort with heating, ventilation, and massage features. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller adults comfortably. Storage was generous, with various trays and covered compartments. The extended-length 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, the screen's lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system provided excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The system lacked physical buttons for audio and climate controls, making adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator offered a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. The Navigator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Play system installed touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, though they were underutilized by teenagers who preferred their smartphones.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced driving assistance systems. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available, though it struggled with certain conditions. The Navigator had a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.