2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, setting itself apart from its Ford Expedition roots. It featured unique front and rear styling, including the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that welcomed owners with sequential illumination. The Navigator's design included a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, giving it a distinct appearance. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, all contributing to its luxurious feel. The panoramic glass roof and high-quality materials further enhanced the interior's appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE's exterior design was less impressive, with a rushed appearance that lacked the elegance of its competitors. Despite its aggressive front, the GLE's styling faltered beyond the A-pillar, resembling its predecessor. However, the interior was a masterpiece, featuring high-quality materials, a red and black colour scheme, and innovative design elements like twin arching grab handles. The GLE's interior exuded luxury, with features like heated armrests, ambient lighting, and a sophisticated infotainment system, making it a standout in terms of interior design.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive provided a smooth driving experience, with multiple drive modes for various conditions. The Navigator's towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer manoeuvring. While acceleration was strong, the engine lacked the V8's signature sound. Fuel efficiency averaged 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than expected. Despite its size, the Navigator offered excellent body motion control and manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled with its advanced air suspension and hybrid powertrain options. The GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 362 horsepower, while the AMG GLE 53 boasted 429 horsepower with an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality. Fuel efficiency varied, with the AMG GLE 53 averaging 14.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, offering agile handling and a smooth ride. Its towing capacity reached 3,500 kilograms, and the GLE's performance was impressive across all models.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, with ample room for passengers in all three rows. The optional Luxury Package included 30-way Perfect Position front seats, providing exceptional comfort. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row offered class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 3,407 litres in the long-wheelbase model. The Navigator's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided a roomy interior, with optional third-row seating for seven passengers. The second-row seats offered power controls for added comfort, while the Coupe body style accommodated five passengers. Cargo capacity varied, with up to 2,055 litres in the SUV model. The GLE's interior featured the MBUX infotainment system, seat controls on the doors, and easy-to-use rocker switches. The Coupe's design limited rear passenger space, but the overall interior was well-designed and user-friendly.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its weakest point, with slow loading times. However, it offered features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone integration for keyless entry and start. The Revel Ultima audio system provided an immersive listening experience, and additional technologies included a surround-view camera and head-up display.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant for gesture control. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The GLE offered advanced features like a Track Pace app, Seat Kinetics, and a customizable head-up display. The ambient lighting and natural voice assistant added to the GLE's technological appeal, making it one of the most advanced SUVs in its class.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated smoothly, and the lane-keeping assistance was effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced safety in potential collisions. The GLE's safety features were comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.