2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize crossover, boasting a modern Lincoln face and grille that stood out in the automaker’s lineup. It offered a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid variant with a 75-kilowatt electric motor. The Grand Touring model, with its hybrid powertrain, was particularly notable for its luxurious interior, featuring high-end materials like soft leather and a simulated suede headliner. However, some elements, such as the chrome detailing, felt less premium. The Aviator's exterior design was somewhat let down by its plain wheel designs, which did not match the vehicle's price point. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and electric door handles added a touch of elegance, although the electronic door latches required careful handling.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent subtle exterior updates that might have gone unnoticed by many. The GLE 450e model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, exuded a refined presence. Inside, the GLE 450e impressed with its luxurious Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide array of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality cabin experience. The GLE's interior was spacious and comfortable, with excellent visibility and a light, airy feel. The vehicle's design and features, such as the optional third-row seat, made it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, despite being a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with its drivetrain generating 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. It offered a 34-kilometre electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km when relying heavily on electric power. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was inconsistent, and the brake pedal behaviour required careful attention. The available Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping suspension enhanced the Aviator's handling, but it wasn't particularly engaging to drive. The Aviator prioritized a quiet, smooth ride over sporty performance.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, with the GLE 450e standing out for its balance of acceleration, handling, and fuel economy. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor produced 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, enabling the GLE 450e to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e achieved an estimated fuel economy of 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and offered a 77-kilometre electric range. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE's steering was sophisticated, making it feel maneuverable despite its size. Overall, the GLE 450e delivered a nearly flawless performance, with a quiet cabin and refined driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious and supportive, but the third-row seat was cramped and lacked leg support. The Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,200 litres. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging due to limited space.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space and comfort for adults in both the first and second rows, with generous headroom and legroom. The GLE 450e offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which compared favourably with some competitors. While the optional third-row seat was limited to certain trims and best suited for children, the GLE excelled in comfort features. The test vehicle included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a host of luxury amenities. The GLE's interior was well-appointed, with thoughtful touches like a Burmester surround-sound audio system and soft-close doors.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and point-of-interest accuracy. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was a highlight, delivering exceptional sound quality. Smartphone-related tech included wireless charging and the optional Phone As A Key digital key system. The Aviator also featured digital instrumentation, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel occasionally caused issues, such as unexpected volume changes. Overall, the GLE's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a suite of airbags and the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collections of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and forward-collision warning. The test vehicle featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. While the driver aids performed well on highways, they were less reliable in dense traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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 adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive and effective, providing peace of mind during everyday driving. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though crash tests for the 2024 model were not yet completed.