2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while functional, did not quite capture the aesthetic appeal that many expected from the brand. Its exterior design seemed to promise something bold with its aggressive front, but past the A-pillar, it lost its distinctiveness, blending into the older GLE models. Despite efforts to enhance its appearance with flat taillights and a contoured rear, the GLE struggled to match the visual allure of its competitors like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a testament to luxury and craftsmanship, with a red and black interior that was both striking and opulent. The quality of materials, from wood to leather, was exceptional, although some elements like the gear selector felt less robust. The GLE's interior was designed to pamper, offering a sense of luxury that was comparable to high-end competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes that enhanced its already impressive presence. The new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs added a fresh touch, while the Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence provided a warm welcome. However, the restyled front end, with its Audi-esque grille, was a rare misstep, lacking the elegance of its predecessor. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with its quality materials and mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication, reminiscent of a starry night sky. The Sync 4 infotainment system, with its larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, was a significant upgrade, offering a user-friendly experience. The Navigator's interior was spacious and comfortable, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats that ensured a luxurious ride for all passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of suspension configurations and hybrid powertrains. 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 to another level with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 63 S topped the range with a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 producing 450 hp. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the vehicle to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller sedan, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience. However, its fuel efficiency was average, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Its towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kg, making it a strong contender against the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, with Road Preview technology, ensured a smooth ride by adjusting to road conditions in real-time. The new electronic brake booster improved brake response, addressing previous concerns about soft brakes. The Navigator handled various driving conditions with ease, from snowy roads to mountain trails, thanks to its 4WD system and 24.5 cm of ground clearance. Its fuel consumption was competitive, averaging 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, was less practical, with a sloping roofline that limited rear passenger space and cargo capacity. The MBUX infotainment system was a highlight, offering a user-friendly interface and advanced features like gesture control and a virtual pit crew app for AMG models.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort and space, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats that were highly adjustable. The second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort, and the third row provided ample space for passengers. The Navigator's cargo capacity was impressive, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second row folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, making it ideal for larger families. The updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, provided endless entertainment options for passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which allowed for gesture control and personalized shortcuts. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The GLE also offered advanced features like a head-up display, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated driving functionality added convenience, while the Track Pace app catered to performance enthusiasts.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 4 infotainment system, with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, was a significant improvement over its predecessor. The system was user-friendly, with support for Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect, and the over-the-air update capability promised future enhancements. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, offered access to popular streaming services, while the optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system was newly standard, enhancing visibility and safety. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though drivers were required to remain attentive. The system performed well within its limits, but the need for driver vigilance remained.