2020 Lincoln Corsair vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair was a testament to luxury, distinct from its Ford roots. Despite sharing some components with the Ford Escape, the Corsair stood out with its unique body panels and trim pieces. Its design was refined, featuring a low hood line and a restrained chrome grille, complemented by teardrop headlights and J-shaped LED running lamps reminiscent of a Jaguar. The vehicle's tall roof gently sloped, ending in a Land Rover-like edge, while the clamshell tailgate added an elegant touch similar to the Audi Q5. The Corsair's thin taillights with a connecting strip evoked the Porsche Cayenne, yet the overall design was uniquely Lincoln. The interior boasted rich materials, with a curved matte-finish wood dash and chrome-trimmed air vents, creating a luxurious atmosphere. However, the lower dash's hard plastic and the matte black center console detracted slightly from its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its boxy, straight-edged design was a nod to its military origins, making it a standout in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The G-Class featured a retro exterior, while inside, it offered a tasteful design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The cabin's ambient lighting could be coordinated with the instrument panel colors, creating a personalized atmosphere. Despite its origins as a military vehicle, the G-Class had become a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. Yet, it retained its rugged capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both luxury and off-road prowess.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair offered two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0T trim featured a 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2.3T trim, with AWD as standard, shared a 295-hp, 310 lb-ft, 2.3-liter engine with the Mustang. While the transmission occasionally hiccupped at lower gears, it generally provided a smooth driving experience. The Corsair's steering lacked road feel, but its body control was impressive, offering a steady and rock-solid ride. The adaptive dampers in the 2.3T trim firmed up the ride in Excite mode, though the overall driving experience wasn't particularly sporty. Fuel economy for the 2.3T was EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, with the 2.0T AWD rated at 21/29/24 and the FWD model at 22/29/25.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G550, was a powerhouse with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive (4WD), with Dynamic Select driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The G550 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for its 5,551-pound curb weight. The SUV's suspension system, with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, provided a supple ride on pavement. The G550's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its 9.5-inch ground clearance and optional adjustable suspension and damping. The more powerful Mercedes-AMG G63 offered 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, the G-Class's fuel economy was less impressive, with the G550 rated at 13 mpg city, 19 highway, and 18 combined, and the G63 at 13/16/14.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair's interior was designed for comfort, with seat controls conveniently located on the doors. The Perfect Position seats offered 24 ways of adjustment, including massage settings, and the driving position felt airy with good sightlines. Rear passengers enjoyed sliding and reclining seats, with optional heated seats and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the experience. Cargo space was limited, with 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 58 when folded. The Sync 3 infotainment system was user-friendly, though the engine auto stop-start control was awkwardly placed. The center console was spacious, with a sliding storage bin and a wireless phone charger in the center armrest.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and practical, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was roomy, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G550's spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, a convenient and stylish feature.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair offered the option to use a smartphone as an ignition key via the Lincoln Way app, though this feature was deactivated in the test vehicle. A hidden touchpad on the B-pillars allowed for keyless entry, a convenient feature. The head-up display (HUD) was wide and informative, displaying directions and controls for the semi-automated driving feature. However, the instrument panel lacked customization options, and the navigation screen could become crowded. Voice recognition and destination searches were fast and accurate, and in-car WiFi was available, though software updates required an external WiFi connection.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment, customizable for layout, content, and color. The Burmester Surround Sound system enhanced the driving experience, and the COMAND system offered unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the G550 included three USB and two 12-volt outlets. WiFi was standard with a one-month trial, but wireless device charging was not available. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Mercedes me connect services for three years.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair had not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it a Top Safety Pick. It received the best scores in all six crash tests and for its forward emergency braking system. The Corsair came standard with Co-Pilot360, which included forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Co-Pilot360 Plus added lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and rear emergency braking. Rear side airbags and knee airbags for both driver and passenger were standard.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class's size and weight provided safety advantages in some crashes, though it posed risks to pedestrians and cyclists. The G550 included standard safety features like a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, active parking assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt and distracting. The G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.