2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of choices, including 10 interior color options and five trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, rolled into 2023 without significant updates. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior was all black with real wood trim panels and chrome accents. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added character at night. While the Navigator Reserve’s cabin looked upscale and used quality materials, some chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey luxury. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV streaming capability was a pricey option that went ignored by teenagers in favor of their iPhones.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S models. Engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e’s electric mode operated at speeds up to 87 mph, and the transition from gas to electric power was seamless. The suspension was supple, and the GLE 450e handled bumps and ruts with ease. Despite its size, the GLE felt maneuverable and easy to place on the road.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving but averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview identified upcoming bumps and prepared the suspension accordingly. However, the Navigator’s ride quality was inconsistent, feeling like a truck over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, but its nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows. The cabin felt light and airy, with excellent outward visibility. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The test vehicle also had options like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic power tilt and sliding sunroof.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards made it easier to enter and exit the cabin. The test vehicle had 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, and the third-row seat accommodated taller adults. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model provided 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 GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved “Hey Mercedes” voice command system. The head-up instrument display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel could inadvertently increase the music volume while maneuvering.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator had 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, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The test vehicle had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the Navigator using a digital key. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was available but went unused by teenagers in favor of their smartphones.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) bundled in the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. The test vehicle had features like Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise worked on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but required regular driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.