2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of the familiar and the new. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new Coupes anticipated for the 2024 model year. The changes in the GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights. Despite these updates, the GLC maintained its classic and timeless design, which had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The interior saw a more significant transformation, aligning with newer Mercedes models, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials quality and construction remained excellent, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior, hinting at a new direction in Lincoln design. The grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that extended through the grill, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The interior was the highlight, with a full-width screen and high-quality materials, including open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint and black exterior trim. The Nautilus's interior comfort was further enhanced by features like the 24-way Perfect Position front seats in the Black Label model, which included a massage function and extended heating. The Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods, adding to the luxury experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 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. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, delivering 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option, available for an additional $1,500, increased output to 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid also offered a range of over 600 miles. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was well-tuned, avoiding the typical droning associated with CVTs. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus provided a satisfying driving experience with its Excite mode.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and high-quality synthetic leather upholstery. The interior provided sufficient storage space, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, though headroom was slightly limited for taller passengers. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus excelled in interior comfort, especially with the Black Label model's 24-way Perfect Position front seats, which included a massage function and extended heating. The rear seats offered 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Rejuvenate feature added to the luxury experience, combining massage, lighting, and screen images. The Nautilus provided 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 71 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While it only offered seating for five, the cargo space was generous compared to rivals.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses, though its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, but the lack of physical buttons made adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a massive 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. The center console housed an 11.1-inch touchscreen for basic infotainment duties, with permanent icons for HVAC controls. However, adjusting the vents required navigating through menus, which was distracting. The unlabelled steering wheel controls also posed a challenge, but the inclusion of Google maps, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates added to the tech appeal. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received top scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was included on all trims, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from NHTSA, and the 2024 model was rated "Good" by IIHS for crashworthiness.