2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while not particularly striking in appearance, offered a sense of promise with its aggressive front design. However, past the A-pillar, it retained a resemblance to its predecessors, lacking the refined proportions seen in competitors like BMW or Audi. The AMG trim attempted to add a sporty flair, but it struggled to match the visual impact of rivals such as the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Despite its exterior shortcomings, the GLE's interior was a triumph of design and luxury, featuring a harmonious blend of materials and a bold red and black colour scheme. The interior's quality and attention to detail were evident, with features like LED-outlined grab handles and a spacious, well-appointed cabin, although some controls felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and sophistication, managing to maintain a sense of refinement despite its imposing size. Its design was characterized by simple, rectilinear shapes and tasteful chrome accents, creating a classy appearance. The Navigator's interior was equally impressive, offering a range of colour palettes and a focus on finer details. The cabin was spacious and luxurious, with Perfect Position seats that could be adjusted in 30 different ways, providing exceptional comfort. While the Navigator's ride quality and handling didn't quite match the precision of some competitors, its overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for those seeking a plush and powerful SUV experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a versatile performer, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took performance further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and improved efficiency, although it didn't significantly enhance fuel economy. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control, offered exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the vehicle to adapt to various driving conditions. With a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, the GLE was a capable and well-rounded SUV.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine producing 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, delivered impressive performance for its size. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, the Navigator offered a responsive and powerful driving experience. Its towing capacity of 3,765 kg was substantial, although its fuel efficiency was on par with larger V8 engines. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, its suspension and steering lacked the precision of some competitors. However, the Navigator's low-end power and refined highway performance made it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The optional third row provided additional seating, while the Coupe body style accommodated five passengers. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which featured a touchpad interface and intuitive controls. The interior was well-appointed, with easy-to-use seat controls and a range of convenience features.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with seating for up to eight passengers. The boxy design allowed for generous cargo capacity, with 546 litres behind the third row and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator's interior was luxurious, with heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system. While the second-row seats could be removed for additional storage, they lacked electric recline functionality. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with a wide range of adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, although parking could be challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen display with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture-based controls. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The GLE offered a range of advanced features, including a Track Pace app, Seat Kinetics, and a natural voice assistant. The ambient lighting and head-up display were customizable, and the navigation system provided augmented reality overlays. The GLE's technology suite was comprehensive, offering more features than most users would likely explore.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while functional, felt dated compared to newer competitors. The system offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio but lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided good sound quality, and the software was intuitive and easy to use. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. While the technology was straightforward, it lacked the advanced features and customization options found in the GLE.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it was not rated by the IIHS. 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. While the Navigator's safety features were comprehensive, its driver assistance systems were not as advanced as those in the GLE.