2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a vehicle that combined ruggedness with luxury. Originally designed as a military transport, it evolved into a status symbol, especially in the U.S. market. The G-Class offered two models: the G550 and the AMG G63, both of which were highly customizable through the G Manufaktur Program. Its exterior was characterized by straight lines and a retro two-box design, while the interior boasted a sophisticated layout with dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation. The G-Class was hand-built in Austria, and its appeal was further enhanced by its ability to be personalized with over a million possible combinations.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, previously known as the MKX, underwent a transformation that included a name change and a facelift in 2019. For 2021, it retained its attractive exterior while receiving a cabin update that featured a new dash design with clean lines and soft materials. The Nautilus was equipped with a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system, which was user-friendly and visually appealing. The SUV offered three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each with varying levels of luxury and technology. The Black Label trim, in particular, provided a high level of opulence with features like massaging seats and a 19-speaker premium stereo system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produced 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The G-Class was equipped with dynamic driving programs, including a "G-mode" for off-roading, and had a robust suspension system that provided a smooth ride despite its 5,551-pound curb weight. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, standard on the Black Label trim, provided smooth and controlled power delivery, especially at highway speeds. The Nautilus featured an adaptive suspension that ensured a comfortable ride while maintaining composure through corners. The engine stop-start feature was designed to conserve fuel, although it introduced a slight delay in response.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was not only luxurious but also practical, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and featured numerous storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages. The G-Class also lacked a hands-free access feature for the tailgate.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, with 37.2 cubic feet available with the rear seats in use. It prioritized two-row comfort, with spacious rear seats and optional 22-way multi-contour front seats. The interior featured soft-touch materials and a floating center console design that provided additional storage space. The Nautilus came standard with a power liftgate, with an available hands-free option for added convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was equipped with twin 12.3-inch HD screens that served as the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable and could be coordinated with the ambient lighting for a personalized experience. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. It also offered a Burmester Surround Sound system, WiFi, and standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a user-friendly menu layout. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy navigation. The Nautilus also offered a wireless charging pad and a Revel 19-speaker premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality for music and talk radio.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a suite of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, and various active assist systems. However, its active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt and required careful understanding. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus included the CoPilot360 package as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Additional driver assistance features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor. However, the standard backup camera was of low quality, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions.