2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims. Its new grille design, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated style, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. This horizontal aesthetic continued at the rear with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, with a full-width screen as its crown jewel. High-quality materials, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather adorned the cabin, although the piano key shifter style was a traditional Lincoln element that some might not favor. The optional Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and unique interior features for an additional cost.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned for the 2020 model year with a facelift in 2024, maintained a distinct identity within the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. Its rounded profile paid homage to previous generations, while squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights gave it a wide stance. The GLE Coupe models exaggerated these proportions with a bulky lower body and a tapered fastback-style roofline. For 2025, Mercedes introduced new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors, offering a range of options for personalization. The interior featured chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting, creating an upscale and special atmosphere.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While this setup provided smooth power delivery, the hybrid option, available for an additional $1,500, offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid's range exceeded 600 miles, making it a practical choice for long journeys. All Nautilus models featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) avoided the typical drawbacks, providing a pleasant driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models offered even more power, with the latter producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. Despite the impressive powertrains, the GLE's size and weight made it feel less nimble, even with AMG enhancements.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats across all trims, with the Black Label model featuring 24-way Perfect Position front seats. These seats provided exceptional comfort, with a massage function that remained active until manually turned off. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods. Cargo space measured 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with the seats folded down, although the Reserve and Black Label trims offered slightly less space. The Nautilus accommodated five passengers, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although third-row space specifications were not published. The front seats provided a high seating position, but visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitors, with additional legroom compared to the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. Cargo space measured 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded, offering the most cargo space among its competitors. The GLE's center console provided ample storage for small items, and its maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds ensured practicality.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 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 infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While HVAC controls were easily accessible, adjusting the vents required navigating menus, which could be distracting. Unlabeled steering wheel controls added to the distraction, but the inclusion of Google Maps and Alexa Built-in for voice controls was a plus. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE's interface consisted of two 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a center-console touchpad and steering-wheel touchpads, could be confusing, but the voice recognition system provided a helpful alternative. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured additional settings, including six drive modes and customizable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced the GLE's capabilities, although it wasn't as fun off-road as some competitors.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The hands-free/eyes-up Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was available on all trims, with a 90-day trial for Premiere and Reserve trims and four years standard on the Black Label. Blue Cruise combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2024 Nautilus had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2023 model received high scores for crash protection. The IIHS awarded the 2024 Nautilus a top score of "Good" in crashworthiness.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, although some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The IIHS named the GLE-Class a 2025 Top Safety Pick+, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings. The NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the 2025 model at press time.