2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, complemented by a tapered roofline that, while compromising third-row passenger room, created an alluring silhouette reminiscent of a sports wagon. However, the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant and more generic, particularly with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. The traditional design was appreciated, though the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $79,595 to $81,695, including destination charges. The test vehicle, in Reserve trim, featured several option packages, bringing its MSRP to $96,295.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained a unique identity within the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. It combined the visual bulk of the GLS, GLC, and GLB with a more rounded profile, nodding to previous generations. The GLE's styling, while not the most handsome, adhered closely to the brand's orthodoxy, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. The interior offered a variety of colours beyond the typical black, grey, and tan, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting creating an upscale and special atmosphere. The U.S. test car's Yacht Blue interior was not available in Canada, but the GLE's interior remained impressive.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. It offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The test vehicle featured an optional adaptive air suspension, which firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but fuel economy was disappointing, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km compared to the official rating of 11.9 L/100 km. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking, but the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a composed and calming ride.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered five powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, plus 80 km of electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ delivered 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, while the AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ boasted a 603 hp twin-turbo V8, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The GLE's refinement impressed, but it felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades. Maneuvering in tight spaces was challenging, despite the powerful engines.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered exceptional comfort with its available Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were low and unsupportive, with limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin in the centre console. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres. The test vehicle lacked side window sunshades, an odd omission for a luxury SUV.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and legroom, with slightly more second-row space than most rivals. Cargo space behind the second row was 894 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The centre console provided reasonable storage for phones and drinks, despite housing the infotainment system's touchpad controller. The GLE's maximum towing capacity was 3,500 kilograms, matching the Audi Q7 and surpassing some competitors.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, making wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri more reliable. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Aviator's head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure warnings and blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, powered by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. The interface could be accessed via a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and the central touchscreen. The native voice recognition system was effective, simplifying access to functions. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness. Some GLE models featured an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist were standard, with BlueCruise providing hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received only "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.