2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, available exclusively in Reserve trim in Canada, showcased a sophisticated and streamlined exterior design, hinting at a new direction for Lincoln. Its grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille, illuminating the Lincoln star logo in a stunning display. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, with a full-width screen as its crown jewel, complemented by high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, maintained a unique identity within the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. It featured a rounded profile with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, giving it a wide stance. The GLE Coupe models exaggerated these proportions with a bulky lower body and a fastback-style roofline. Inside, the GLE offered a variety of interior colours, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting, creating an upscale and special atmosphere. The Yacht Blue interior, although not available in Canada, added to the GLE's appeal.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet 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 fuel efficiency of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The hybrid's range exceeded 950 kilometres, making it a practical choice for long journeys. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. While not a driver's car, it offered a satisfying performance for those seeking a bit of excitement.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered five powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering 80 kilometres of electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models delivered impressive power, with the latter's twin-turbo V8 producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, making it less nimble in tight spaces.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the 24-way Perfect Position front 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. Cargo space was generous, with 997 litres behind the second row and 1,947 litres with the seats folded down. The Nautilus was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although third-row space specs were not published. The front seats provided a high seating position, but visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitors, with additional legroom compared to the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. Cargo space was competitive, with 894 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms ensured it could handle demanding tasks.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a massive 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. The 11.1-inch touchscreen on the centre console handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While some controls were distracting, the inclusion of Google Maps and Alexa Built-in added convenience. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE's interface consisted of dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous horizontal display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad and steering wheel controls, could be confusing, but the voice recognition system was effective. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional settings, including drive modes and damper firmness adjustments. Off-road features like a dashboard display and "transparent hood" function enhanced its capabilities.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with features like automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2024 Nautilus had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2023 model received high scores for crash protection.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with some available in the optional Driver Assistance Package. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. The GLE received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.