2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to the brand's commitment to a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges. While it maintained a modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights, it avoided the overly sharp designs seen in some competitors. The GLC's long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive masterpiece, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The GLC was available in both a conventional SUV format and a crossover "coupe" body style, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a three-ton vehicle. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, with a few chrome accents to maintain a classy appearance. The Navigator's interior was impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a taste for finer details. The materials were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats provided unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, accommodating up to eight passengers, and offered ample cargo space. Despite its size, the Navigator's design and features made it feel luxurious and refined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission to a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The GLC offered various drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience. While the GLC was not overly sporty, it provided sufficient power and a responsive driving experience. For those seeking more performance, the AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S offered significantly more power, with 385 and 503 horsepower, respectively.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel-drive system, the Navigator offered a surprisingly sprightly performance for its size. Its towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms. However, the Navigator's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an average consumption of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Navigator's suspension and steering were not as refined as some competitors, its overall power and highway refinement were commendable.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a practical interior with 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 550 litres with them up. The GLC Coupe's fastback design reduced these figures slightly. The GLC provided decent rear-seat space, with ample legroom and headroom in the SUV variant. The interior featured a well-designed centre console and deep door pockets for storage, making good use of its space.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of accommodating up to eight passengers. Its boxy design allowed for generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator's rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, offering a range of features for a luxurious experience. However, parking the Navigator could be challenging due to its size.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, offering an intuitive interface with both touch and controller options. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for navigating the digital instrument panel and infotainment screen, providing a seamless experience once acclimated.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with various connectivity options. While the technology was not cutting-edge, it was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning, available through the Intelligent Drive Package. However, the parking sensors were overly sensitive, leading to distracting false positives.

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. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.