2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Comparison Overview
The battle pits Lincoln's opulent Cruiser, the 2025 Aviator, against the sleek, athletic stance of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. The Aviator punches harder in terms of raw power, boasting 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, appealing to those who prioritize immediate acceleration, even while consuming fuel at a combined 21 MPG. Conversely, the GLE Coupe wraps its slightly lesser output (375 hp and 369 lb-ft) in the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive, an advantage for varied weather, though it demands a significant $17,955 premium over the Lincoln's $59,295 MSRP. While the Aviator is marginally longer at 199.7 inches, the Mercedes counters with superior utility, offering a massive 31.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft. Both achieve a similar 21 combined MPG, making the choice one of performance feel versus luxury pedigree and practicality.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe's All-Wheel Drive system offers superior stability and predictable handling for daily driving in various conditions.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
The 2026 GLE Coupe provides substantially more usable space with 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft.
2025 Lincoln Aviator
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator delivers a more commanding performance edge with its 400 hp engine versus the Mercedes' 375 hp.
2025 Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator offers 25 more horsepower for a price tag that is $17,955 less than the GLE Coupe.
Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...
- You desire the highest peak horsepower available, as the Aviator offers 400 hp.
- You want to save a significant amount of money, as the Aviator's MSRP is $59,295.
- You prefer the driving dynamics of a Rear Wheel Drive biased platform combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...
- You require maximum utility, given the GLE Coupe’s 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You live in a region requiring maximum grip and prefer standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prioritize the handling associated with a slightly shorter length of 194.5 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lincoln Aviator | Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.7" | 194.5" |
| Width | 79.6" | 79.3" |
| Height | 69.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 115.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 375 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/25 MPG | 19/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.6/505.0 mi. | 427.5/562.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20.2 gal. | 22.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Rear Volume Controls | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.5 in. | 59.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.5 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.2 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.3 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.3 in. | 59.8 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/55R20 | 275/50R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 20 x 9.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | unlimited yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe significantly thirstier than the Lincoln Aviator?
No, the fuel economy is remarkably similar; both vehicles achieve a combined 21 MPG. The Lincoln Aviator has slightly lower city MPG at 18 compared to the Mercedes’ 19, but highway figures match at 25 MPG for both.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Lincoln Aviator?
The Lincoln Aviator possesses a clear advantage in power figures, generating 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, which is 25 hp and 46 lb-ft more than the 375 hp and 369 lb-ft offered by the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
What is the primary benefit of the GLE Coupe’s Drive Type over the Aviator's?
The 2026 GLE Coupe features standard All-Wheel Drive, which provides enhanced traction and stability in low-grip situations, whereas the 2025 Aviator is rear wheel drive.
If cargo space is critical, which crossover is the clear winner?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the undisputed leader in storage, offering 31.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is substantially more than the 19.2 cubic feet available in the Lincoln Aviator.
How do the size dimensions compare between these two luxury crossovers?
The Lincoln Aviator is slightly longer at 199.7 inches compared to the GLE Coupe's 194.5 inches, but the Mercedes is marginally narrower (79.3 inches vs. 79.6 inches).
Does the lower price of the Aviator compromise its transmission quality?
While the Aviator uses a 10-speed automatic, and the GLE Coupe uses a 9-speed, both offer shiftable automatic capability, suggesting refined shifting experiences despite the $17,955 price difference.
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