Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Lincoln Nautilus

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "Geländewagen" from 1979. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, while functional changes like a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim enhanced its practicality. The interior was luxurious, with a sci-fi aesthetic featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, adding to their appeal.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus exuded a stately presence with its distinctive grille and sleek LED headlights. Its wide body featured a contrasting black roof and integrated door handles, while the rear showcased a spoiler and full-width taillight. The Jet Appearance package added a touch of elegance with satin dark luster wheels and black accents. Inside, the Nautilus offered a high-end look with a unique layout centered around a 48-inch screen. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with options for synthetic or leather upholstery and design themes like Chalet or Aurora, providing a luxurious experience for passengers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4WD. The G 550 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The hybrid variant, with a larger turbo and electric motor, increased output to 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, using a CVT for smooth operation. The hybrid's 0-60 mph time improved to about 7 seconds. The Nautilus prioritized comfort with its MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, featuring adaptive dampers on higher trims. Drive modes like Normal, Conserve, and Excite adjusted the ride quality, ensuring a smooth and serene driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, providing 22.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class offered good visibility and was easier to park than larger competitors.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus focused on comfort, with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel as standard. Higher trims offered ventilated front seats with massage functions and heated rear seats. The second row provided 43.2 inches of legroom, and the rear seats folded down to expand cargo space from 36.4 to 71.3 cubic feet. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available for added convenience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a seamless display. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the driving experience, while a Burmester 3D surround sound system delivered high-quality audio.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus showcased a 48-inch screen displaying essential information, complemented by an 11.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment controls. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charger. The audio system ranged from a 10-speaker setup to a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D unit. The Black Label trim offered Lincoln Rejuvenate, a relaxation program using scent, lighting, and imagery to enhance the driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA but included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering were added for 2025.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. BlueCruise performed well but had occasional issues with driver monitoring. The Nautilus earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, showcasing its strong safety credentials.