2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and modern design, characterized by its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, which was standard across several trims. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models enhanced this powertrain with a hybrid system, including a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing standard all-wheel drive. The Aviator's pricing ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a destination charge, with the top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model reaching $91,225. The Aviator was noted for its appealing design, though some wheel designs were considered too plain for its price point. The vehicle's lighting features, such as the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, added a touch of elegance, while the interior boasted high-end materials and a luxurious ambiance, albeit with some design elements that seemed overly intricate.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, particularly the GLC 300, was a blend of new and familiar elements. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year. The GLC 300's exterior changes were subtle, with narrower taillights being the most noticeable update. Despite its evolutionary design, the GLC maintained its classy and timeless appeal. The interior received a more significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a modern, high-tech design. The materials and construction quality were excellent, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to its rivals. The GLC Coupe retained its first-generation interior, which had aged well and offered some usability advantages over the newer model. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury, focusing on comfort and elegance.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, was not solely focused on efficiency. Despite the additional weight from its electric motor and battery, it delivered an impressive 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The EPA estimated a 21-mile electric driving range, with a combined 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator offered various driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, to optimize performance and efficiency. During an extended evaluation drive, the Aviator demonstrated its ability to maximize electric power usage, achieving an equivalent of 163.4 mpg during a specific period. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, though the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable. The Aviator's brake pedal exhibited inconsistent behavior, common in electrified vehicles. The Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension helped manage the Aviator's weight, providing a smooth and stable ride. However, despite its commendable handling, the Aviator was not particularly engaging to drive, focusing more on comfort and isolation.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. While not as lively as some competitors, the GLC provided sufficient power for highway merging and passing. The brake pedal was soft but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smooth ride. The GLC Coupe retained its older four-cylinder turbo engine, matching the GLC 300's performance. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. The AMG model featured a sport-tuned suspension and exhaust, providing a firmer ride and more extroverted performance.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort, though they required some adjustment to find the ideal position. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, with a center console for storage and controls. However, the third-row seat was not suitable for adults, with limited kneeroom and legroom. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC provided comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, and real leather was available for a smoother feel. The GLC offered sufficient storage options, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The front seats provided ample space for taller passengers, while the rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than some rivals but adequate for most needs. The rear seats folded flat for larger items. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and Lincoln Connect services. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which had limitations in voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The system struggled with certain voice commands and point-of-interest searches. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were effective, and the parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful for parking.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and responsive performance. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. The system lacked physical buttons for audio and climate controls, making it more challenging to use without looking. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. The test model also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. The driver aids performed well on highways but were less reliable in dense traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested, but the previous model received top ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLC Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.