2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained its familiar design, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, but the overall look remained similar to its predecessor. The headlights were narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece across the back. The trunk design was updated, with less chrome and a more pronounced rear bumper. The GLC Coupe maintained its distinctive sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback. The interior was luxurious, with options for two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The cabin was filled with screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, offering a gadget-heavy experience typical of Mercedes.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior, signaling a new direction in Lincoln design. The grille featured LED lighting extending through it, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The rear had a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was the highlight, with a massive full-width screen as its centerpiece. The materials used were of excellent quality, with polished metal, open-pore wood, and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint and black exterior trim, enhancing its visual appeal. The Nautilus offered a luxurious and comfortable interior, with features like the piano key shifter adding a touch of tradition.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 horsepower V6. It was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The base GLC 300 offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 300 was rear-wheel-drive, with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLC 43 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with a multi-clutch system, providing faster shifts and better torque handling. The performance suspension offered improved handling but resulted in a firmer ride, making it less suitable for daily commuting.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid setup, available for an additional $1,500, offered 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid also provided a range of over 600 miles. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was smooth and unobtrusive, offering a comfortable driving experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled towards the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expandable to 52.6 cubic feet. The interior was filled with buttons and controls, particularly in AMG models, providing a high-tech experience.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the Black Label model featuring 24-way Perfect Position seats with massage and extended heating functions. The rear seats provided 43 inches of legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. The Nautilus offered 36 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 71 cubic feet, with seating for five. The interior was luxurious, with features like the scented cabin adding to the comfort.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, with voice command functionality. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and a head-up display available on higher trims. The GLC offered a range of tech options, including an Advanced USB package.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash and customizable sections. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Nautilus included Google maps, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates. The steering wheel controls were touch-sensitive, with wireless charging and USB ports throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with standard safety features including active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe. Optional safety features were available through the Driver Assistance Package, offering adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, with Blue Cruise 1.2 technology available on all trims. Blue Cruise offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with features like automatic lane-change assist. The Nautilus had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2023 model received high scores for crash protection.