2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

$53,940 · Crossover

$59,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between plush comfort and sporty refinement in the midsize luxury crossover segment often comes down to balancing size against driving dynamics and brand cachet. The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers substantial space and a friendlier starting price of $53,940 compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe’s $59,650 entry point. While the GLC Coupe squeezes out a slight efficiency edge with 26 combined MPG versus the Nautilus's 24, and offers a bit more horsepower (255 hp vs. 250 hp), the trade-off is significant in utility. The Nautilus boasts a generous 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, dwarfing the GLC Coupe's mere 19.2 cu ft. Furthermore, the Nautilus is substantially larger overall at 193.2 inches long, offering a more commanding presence and interior volume, whereas the Mercedes focuses on tighter handling with its 9-speed automatic transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is slightly more fuel-efficient, achieving 26 combined MPG, which matters for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers vastly superior practicality with 36.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The GLC Coupe offers a slight edge in power with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a responsive 9-speed transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus starts $5,710 cheaper and provides a significantly larger vehicle package for the money.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

You prioritize maximum utility and need 36.4 cu ft of cargo space for gear and luggage.
Your budget is tighter, as the Nautilus starts at $53,940, undercutting the Mercedes by $5,710.
You prefer a larger vehicle footprint, with the Nautilus measuring 193.2 inches in length versus 187.6 inches for the GLC Coupe.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if...

You seek marginally better efficiency, as the GLC Coupe achieves 26 combined MPG versus 24 MPG for the Nautilus.
You desire slightly sharper performance metrics, featuring 255 hp and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
You prefer the visual appeal and sporty silhouette of a coupe-styled crossover, despite the cargo sacrifice.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Nautilus	Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Length	193.2"	187.6"
Width	76.9"	74.4"
Height	68.2"	63.5"
Wheelbase	114.2"	113.7"

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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	250 hp @ 5500 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
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	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/580.0 mi.	400.2/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.0 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
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	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	—
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Infotainment Display	—	11.9 in
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	43.5 in.	40.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.9 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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
Driver Seat Cooling	✓	—
Passenger Seat Cooling	✓	—
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.1 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	57.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/60R19	235/55R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

What is the main difference in size between the 2025 Nautilus and the 2026 GLC Coupe?

The Lincoln Nautilus is the larger vehicle, measuring 193.2 inches long and 68.2 inches tall. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is shorter at 187.6 inches and lower at 63.5 inches, which contributes to its sloped, coupe-like roofline.

How much more cargo space does the Lincoln offer over the Mercedes?

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers significantly more hauling capability with 36.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe sacrifices much of that space for style, providing only 19.2 cubic feet.

Are both luxury crossovers fuel-efficient?

They are comparably efficient, though the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has a slight advantage, achieving 26 combined MPG (23 city/31 highway). The Nautilus trails slightly at 24 combined MPG (21 city/29 highway).

Does the difference in horsepower matter between these two AWD vehicles?

The difference is minimal; the GLC Coupe has 255 hp compared to the Nautilus’s 250 hp, with the Mercedes also having slightly more torque at 295 lb-ft versus 280 lb-ft.

Which vehicle has a significantly lower starting MSRP?

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers better baseline value, starting at $53,940. This is $5,710 less than the starting MSRP of $59,650 for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Do either of these vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?

No, both vehicles require premium gasoline for optimal performance; the Lincoln recommends premium unleaded, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe requires it.