2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent a subtle exterior update that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes were minimal, with the most notable being the clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, presented a handsome appearance. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with its 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 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior design, hinting at a new direction for Lincoln. The grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that illuminated the Lincoln star logo, creating a stunning effect. The rear boasted a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports, while the profile incorporated high door handles into the beltline. The interior was a standout, with a massive full-width screen and high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and 22-inch wheels for an extra touch of style.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350 4Matic, GLE 450 4Matic, and AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, with the GLE 450e PHEV joining the lineup. 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. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was estimated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode, 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 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option, available for an additional $3,500, delivered 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a combined fuel economy of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The hybrid's range exceeded 950 kilometres, making it a practical choice for long drives. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed well, avoiding the typical drawbacks of CVTs.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in both the first and second rows. The cabin felt airy, thanks to the light beige upholstery, and offered excellent outward visibility. The GLE 450e featured 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5. 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 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the 24-way Perfect Position seats providing exceptional comfort. The rear seats, while not as luxurious, offered 1,095 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create a relaxing atmosphere. The Nautilus provided 997 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,947 litres with the seats folded down. It was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured 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 was user-friendly, though it required some time to master its features. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an improved voice command system. Optional features like the head-up display and augmented reality navigation enhanced convenience. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could be inadvertently activated, causing minor annoyances.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a massive 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. The centre console housed an 11.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While HVAC controls were easily accessible, adjusting the vents required navigating through menus, which could be distracting. The steering wheel controls were touch-sensitive and unlabelled, posing a learning curve. The Nautilus included Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, gaming, web browsing, and over-the-air updates, with wireless charging and USB ports throughout the cabin.

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, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. 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 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with an annual subscription model after four years. The Nautilus received a five-star rating from the NHTSA for frontal and side crash protection and a four-star rating for rollover protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness, though other ratings were pending.