2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance that, while bordering on understated, promised longevity in its appeal. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured striking 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, and polished metal accents, all complemented by a Twilight Blue paint finish. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, creating a luxurious environment. The GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The vehicle's MSRP reached $97,730 with various packages and options, including the AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior design, hinting at a new direction for Lincoln. Its grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that illuminated the Lincoln star logo. The rear showcased a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports, while the profile incorporated high door handles into the beltline. Inside, the Nautilus impressed with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather. The standout feature was the full-width screen, offering an immersive experience. The Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and unique interior elements for an additional $3,000.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 delivered a compelling performance with its 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The vehicle accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, aided by a mild-hybrid system that provided an instant 148 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system ensured smooth power delivery. The GLS 450 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg. The adaptive air suspension and massive Continental Premium Contact tires contributed to its athleticism, while the brakes performed admirably. The Off-Road menu within MBUX provided a transparent view of the terrain, enhancing off-road capabilities.

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. The hybrid setup, 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, while the gas-only engine achieved 24 mpg combined. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. The hybrid's CVT avoided droning, providing a pleasant driving experience. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus offered a satisfying balance of performance and comfort.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, equipped with the AMG Line package, featured sportier styling that occasionally hindered entry and exit due to side sill trim. The front seats offered comfort with supple leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The new steering wheel, though delightful to grip, had touch-sensing controls that could be irritating. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second-row captain’s chairs provided excellent thigh support, while the third-row seat was snug for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space was practical, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

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 massage and heating functions that remained active until manually turned off. The rear seats offered 43 inches of legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. 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 in the Premiere trim. The Nautilus accommodated five passengers, prioritizing cargo space over a third-row option.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered improved graphics and various instrumentation themes, remaining fast and easy to use. However, touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console could cause unintentional changes, leading to confusion. Despite this, MBUX impressed with its intuitive touchscreen operation, natural voice recognition, and augmented reality navigation system.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen on the center console handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While HVAC controls were easily accessible, adjusting vents required navigating menus, which could be distracting. Unlabelled steering wheel controls also posed a challenge, but the inclusion of Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates enhanced the technology experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with over 20 significant safety features, adjustable through MBUX. The advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) provided effective alerts and interventions, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems handling various driving conditions smoothly. The GLS's ADAS impressed with its subtle and smooth operation, though a single instance of lane-centering assist deactivation occurred during testing.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, such as 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 trial period for Premiere and Reserve trims. Blue Cruise combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning features. The 2024 Nautilus had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2023 model received high scores for crash protection.