2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a choice between a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid variant, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring models, including the Black Label Grand Touring, featured a hybrid system with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery, offering standard all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, with the top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model reaching $91,225. The Aviator was a stylish three-row SUV, though some design elements, like the plain wheels on the Black Label Grand Touring, detracted from its premium feel. The interior was luxurious, with high-end materials and a sophisticated lighting system, though some details, like the chrome switchgear, felt less upscale.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured subtle aesthetic updates, including sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch, and wheel options ranged from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the GLE maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz look, with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though it lacked the futuristic feel of the brand's electric models. The open-pore walnut trim was attractive, but the Bahia Brown seating in the test model gave the cabin a dated appearance. The GLE coupe, available only in AMG guise, offered a sportier look but less interior space.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, despite its added weight from the electric motor and battery. It offered 21 miles of electric range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, to optimize battery use. During testing, it achieved 163.4 mpg equivalent over 22.3 miles of electric driving. The Aviator's handling was aided by an adaptive-damping suspension, but it wasn't particularly engaging to drive, with heavy steering and inconsistent brake feel. It excelled in comfort and quietness, making it ideal for relaxed driving.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e, a plug-in hybrid, combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It offered 48 miles of electric range, with a real-world reading of 55 miles after charging. The GLE defaulted to electric mode on startup and featured adjustable brake regeneration. The transition from electric to gas power was seamless. While the GLE had a Sport mode, it didn't enhance driving dynamics significantly, with light steering and noticeable body roll. The 450e included an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge, making it convenient for road trips.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 18.3 cubic feet, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e offered luxurious interior features, including heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated and cooled cup holders, and customizable ambient lighting. The cabin was quiet, and the Burmester stereo system enhanced the experience. However, the sun visors didn't extend, which was a minor inconvenience. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist. Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was impressive, and the SUV included wireless charging and a Phone As A Key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera aided in parking.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, though the screen was smaller than in other Mercedes models. The menu was intuitive, and voice commands could be activated with "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, providing clear directions. The GLE included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though connectivity issues were noted. The off-road page in MBUX offered detailed information, and USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a range of driver aids through its Co-Pilot360 packages, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The test model had all available features, but the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE included standard blind-spot monitoring, with additional features available in the Driver Assistance Package Plus. This package added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE earned a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.