2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was a visually appealing SUV, striking a balance between character and elegance without appearing overly plain. Its design was complemented by a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence that greeted drivers after dark. The interior of the test vehicle featured light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options like sandstone, dark brown, and black available. Despite its luxurious feel, some elements like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared somewhat cheap. The Nautilus Reserve model, the only one available in Canada, had a Manufacturer’s Retail Suggested Price (MSRP) of $59,800, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The test vehicle also included optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, which were ideal for long drives.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared directly to the previous model. The GLE 450e test vehicle was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its overall appeal. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, making the GLE's cabin one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in Canada. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine was available, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque for an additional $4,000. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The V6 engine, combined with the adaptive suspension, provided a comfortable and cozy drive, especially in Normal mode. The Nautilus had a 68-litre fuel tank, with the V6 engine achieving a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Over a 1,400-kilometre journey, it averaged 9.4 L/100 km. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with a 19-speaker Revel audio system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, with the GLE 450e PHEV being a standout. The GLE 450e combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was rated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with a range of 77 kilometres on electric power alone. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE's sophisticated steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size, and the GLE 450e's driving manners gave it an edge over competitors.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive thanks to Active Noise Control. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered exceptional comfort with massage programs and adjustable features. However, the rear seating was cramped for a midsize SUV, with limited legroom. The Nautilus provided 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,948 litres with the rear seat folded. Practical storage space was adequate, though some areas were hard to access.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with generous headroom and legroom. The cabin had a light and airy feel, and outward visibility was excellent. The GLE 450e provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, with the option for a third-row seat in certain trims. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. The GLE 450e also boasted a range of luxury features, such as a Burmester audio system, massaging front seats, and soft-close doors.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. Sync 4 offered over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The test vehicle included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls, and the natural voice recognition worked well. The Phone as a Key feature allowed the smartphone to function as a digital key.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and an improved voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be inadvertently activated.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive and effective. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS based on the 2022 model year.