2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that was easy to overlook, even for seasoned observers. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, scored a seven out of ten for its exterior, though the colour and wheels tempted a higher rating. Inside, 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 in its segment.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed for 2022, entered 2023 without significant updates. It remained Lincoln's largest SUV, positioned above the Corsair, Nautilus, and Aviator. The Navigator Reserve, the sole trim available in Canada, came with standard four-wheel drive. Our test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though pricey, went unused by teenagers who preferred their iPhones. The Navigator's interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, looked upscale but had some chrome plastic switchgear that fell short of luxury expectations.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $82,800. The lineup included the GLE 350 4Matic, GLE 450 4Matic, AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, and the upcoming GLE 450e PHEV. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, produced 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, delivering power to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was rated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with 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 made it feel maneuverable despite its size, and the AMG model offered even quicker reflexes.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It had a fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but our test averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, with Road Preview, struggled to provide a smooth ride, especially with the 22-inch wheels. Excite mode improved handling but reduced fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, but its steering was slow, and the brakes struggled with its weight. In urban settings, the Navigator's size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with generous headroom and legroom. The cabin felt light and airy, aided by the light beige upholstery. Outward visibility was excellent, a rarity among modern SUVs. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, comparing favourably to rivals like the BMW X5 but falling short of the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 trims and was suitable only for young children. 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 Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a host of other luxury features.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, and the third-row seat accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, with large trays and covered cupholders. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third row, 2,075 litres behind the second row, and 3,403 litres behind the front seats.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system was user-friendly but required a learning curve. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls occasionally caused issues, such as sudden volume increases.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator offered a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Way app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the Navigator using a digital key. The Lincoln Play system, with dual touchscreens for rear passengers, went unused by teenagers who preferred their smartphones.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and more. Optional features included active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year, though crash tests for the 2024 model were pending.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise struggled with curves and construction zones and lacked a lane-change assist function. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.