2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor particularly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. However, the interior's complexity required some acclimation for new users.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt lacked the elegance of previous models. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, offering ample display space and improved functionality. The Navigator's interior remained spacious and comfortable, with a focus on luxury and convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with a tested consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes and an optional AMG sport exhaust system. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, while the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering improved maneuverability in urban settings. The SUV demonstrated impressive performance on challenging roads, though its size and weight were noticeable in Sport+ mode.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada provided robust performance, with a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, while the new electronic brake booster enhanced braking response. The SUV handled various road conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator achieved a fuel consumption of 12.6 L/100 km during testing, slightly better than its official rating.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offered seating for up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four adults. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats provided comfort and support, with numerous power adjustments and features like heating, ventilation, and massage. The back seat offered ample legroom, and the cargo hold provided 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its spacious and comfortable interior. The front seats were heated, ventilated, and offered 30-way power adjustments with available massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and available with massage, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,925 litres with the second and third rows folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and optional features like an MBUX Interior Assistant and augmented video for navigation. The touchpad on the centre console was a minor drawback, as it was easy to activate inadvertently.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and ease of use. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with physical controls for volume and climate functions. Sync 4's voice recognition system was generally effective, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone to protect hearing during a collision. The optional Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though crash-test results were unavailable.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, such as Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake to prevent unsafe movements, while Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the SUV to park itself. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, enabled hands-free driving on approved highways. The system performed well within its limits, though drivers needed to remain attentive. These systems represented progress toward fully autonomous driving, but complete trust in the technology was not yet warranted.