2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance that, while bordering on understated, promised longevity in its appeal. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured striking 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille design, and polished metal accents that complemented its lustrous paint. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a sophisticated Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, creating a luxurious environment. The GLS 450, the most affordable version, came with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. While the 2025 styling appeared less elegant than before, the Aviator maintained a fundamentally appealing design. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other models. However, the remote keyless entry fob felt cheap, contrasting with the Aviator's otherwise luxurious feel. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with our test vehicle in Reserve trim featuring extra-cost Whisper Blue paint and several option packages.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 delivered a smooth and powerful driving experience with its 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, aided by a mild-hybrid system that provided an instant 148 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system offered versatility with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes. The GLS 450's adaptive air suspension and massive Continental Premium Contact tires contributed to its athleticism, while the brakes performed admirably. The Off-Road menu within MBUX provided a transparent view of the terrain, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and adaptive air suspension offered a range of driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. While the Aviator's performance was not particularly thrilling, it excelled in providing a composed and calming ride. The official fuel economy rating was 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres, though our test observed 13.3 L/100 km. The Aviator's adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a secure and comfortable ride, while the oversized tires generated noticeable road noise.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a luxurious interior with supple leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The front seats provided a commanding view, while the second-row captain’s chairs offered excellent thigh support. However, accessing the third-row seat was cumbersome, and space was snug for adults. Cargo space was practical, with 355 litres behind the third-row seat, 1,209 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,400 litres behind the front seats.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort with 30-way adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive, though the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults. Storage space was excellent, with a centre console featuring a smartphone charging pad and a sizeable bin under the armrest. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 1,131 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered improved graphics and intuitive operation, though touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and centre console caused occasional frustration. The Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology provided impressive audio quality, while the augmented reality navigation system enhanced the driving experience.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system were powered by Lincoln Digital Experience technology. While the system supported Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, our test vehicle experienced issues with voice recognition. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked seamlessly. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system delivered outstanding audio quality, and the head-up display provided valuable information.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with over 20 significant safety features, including advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that could be adjusted through MBUX. The forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist systems operated smoothly, while adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist handled various driving conditions with ease.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard and performed well during our evaluation. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating its safety in the event of a collision.