2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, despite its shared lineage with the Ford Expedition, stood out with its unique design elements that set it apart from its Ford counterpart. Its exterior exuded elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's styling was defined by simple rectilinear shapes, with a few chrome accents adding a touch of class. The Pristine White model, with its white-painted grille and black wheels, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to finer details, such as the layered wood trim and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials used were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered an astounding 30 different adjustments, making the interior feel luxurious and spacious.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a more athletic and modern aesthetic. Its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels gave it a sporty appearance, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. The interior was equally impressive, with high-end materials and a high-tech look, thanks to its dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design. The Nappa premium leather, Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim added a touch of luxury. The GLE Coupe's interior design masked its complexity with a facade of simplicity, and while it took some time to acclimate to the controls, the overall experience was one of comfort and sophistication.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and responsiveness. Its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an average consumption of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite this, the Navigator's power and highway refinement made it a compelling choice for long-distance travel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost system added extra power when needed, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The GLE Coupe's SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system provided excellent handling and control. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension ensured a smooth ride, even on challenging terrain. The GLE Coupe's performance was further enhanced by its various driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their preferences. Overall, the GLE Coupe offered a dynamic and engaging driving experience, with impressive handling and performance capabilities.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with room for six adults and a total cargo capacity of 2,925 litres. The second-row captain's chairs were manually reclining and tilting, with an optional bench for a total of eight passengers. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, and the rear glass opened separately from the tailgate for added convenience. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous settings for a personalized experience. However, parking the Navigator could be challenging due to its size, despite the assistance of 360-degree cameras.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, while technically accommodating up to five people, was more comfortable for four adults. The sport-bolstered front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long journeys. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe's interior featured several comfort upgrades, including a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system, adding to the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology, while functional, felt somewhat outdated compared to newer models. Its 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacked the advanced features of competitors, such as wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive and easy to use, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator also offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's technology was user-friendly and effective.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe featured the advanced Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens and a range of standard features, including navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The MBUX system was easy to use, with beautifully rendered graphics and logical menu structures. Its natural voice recognition technology was particularly impressive, providing a seamless user experience. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, and a high-end Burmester surround-sound system, enhancing the GLE Coupe's technological appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts provided additional protection for second-row passengers. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's safety technology was refined and accurate, providing a reassuring driving experience. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.