2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "Geländewagen" from 1979. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, while functional changes like a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim enhanced its practicality. The interior was opulent, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, with AMG models offering sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a stately appearance with a distinctive grille and eye-slit headlights. Its wide body featured a contrasting black roof and integrated door handles, while the rear showcased a spoiler and full-width taillight. The interior was high-end, highlighted by a 48-inch screen at the windshield base, requiring a unique steering wheel design. The cockpit had a stepped layout, and the base trim offered synthetic leather upholstery, with higher trims adding leather and additional colour options. The Nautilus prioritized comfort and space, especially in the second row.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model also introduced an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The hybrid variant, with a larger turbo and electric motor, delivered 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, using a CVT. The hybrid's 0-96 km/h time was about 7 seconds. The Nautilus prioritized quiet, comfortable driving with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. It featured adaptive dampers and various drive modes, though its handling remained soft and relaxed.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available with rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms and provided a commanding view of the road, with good forward visibility and manageable parking dimensions.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus emphasized comfort for both front and rear passengers, with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. The second row offered 1,095 millimetres of legroom and sculpted seats. Cargo space was generous, with 1,030 litres available with rear seats upright and 2,020 litres when folded flat. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It had dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Notable MBUX features included augmented reality navigation and voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus showcased a 48-inch screen at the windshield base, displaying essential information. An 11.1-inch lower touchscreen handled infotainment controls, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Nautilus offered a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, digital key, and various audio systems, including a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D unit. Lincoln Rejuvenate provided relaxation programs using scent, seating, and visuals.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. Expected standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The G-Class also featured the Pre-Safe system and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus came with standard safety features such as a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. Lincoln BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system, was also standard. The Nautilus earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.