2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the common pitfall of mimicking its competitors. Its styling, inspired by the larger Navigator, was characterized by sharp lines and a tasteful use of chrome, making it one of the few modern vehicles to benefit from such embellishments. Inside, the Aviator offered a cabin that was both comfortable and warm, with soft-touch materials and chrome accents. The center console elegantly rose to meet the standard 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the unique piano button shifter added a touch of class. The soothing chimes for alerts further contributed to the Aviator's luxurious atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, particularly the AMG GLE 53 variant, presented a more athletic and modern aesthetic. Its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels gave it a sporty look, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker. Inside, the GLE Coupe was sumptuous, with high-end materials like Nappa leather and a Dinamica suede headliner. The dual-screen setup for instrumentation and infotainment added a high-tech feel, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. However, the interior's complexity could be daunting for newcomers, though it became more intuitive with time.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque across its Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid version of the same engine, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid setup allowed for brisk acceleration and up to 21 miles of electric-only driving. Despite its power, the Aviator's size and weight led to noticeable body roll in corners, and its long wheelbase made tight maneuvers challenging. The drive mode selector offered unique modes like "Excite" and "Conserve," aligning with the Aviator's character as a comfortable cruiser rather than a performance SUV.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine's EQ Boost mild-hybrid system provided additional power when needed and improved fuel efficiency, achieving 18.5 mpg in real-world testing. The GLE Coupe's performance was further enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Sport+ for spirited driving. The GLE Coupe's handling was agile and composed, with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension effectively managing body motions. However, its size and weight were noticeable on challenging roads, and the performance exhaust's noise could be intrusive.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided ample cargo space, with 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, offered captain's chairs and a digital control panel for added convenience. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery failed.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe, while technically seating five, was more comfortable for four passengers. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo area offered 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe's interior featured luxury upgrades like a four-zone climate control system and an in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information, contributing to a seamless driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. MBUX's natural voice recognition technology was a standout feature, allowing for intuitive interaction. However, the touchpad on the center console could be inadvertently activated. Optional features like gesture recognition and augmented video for navigation added to the GLE Coupe's technological appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was well-equipped with safety features, including the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems for enhanced safety, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though crash-test results were unavailable.