2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial differentiator is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE demanding $8,310 more at $62,250 compared to the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus's $53,940 entry point. Performance metrics are closely aligned; the GLE edges out the Nautilus in horsepower (255 hp vs. 250 hp) and torque (295 lb-ft vs. 280 lb-ft). Fuel economy slightly favors the Nautilus, achieving 24 MPG combined against the GLE's 23 MPG combined, although both require premium fuel. Dimensionally, the GLE is notably taller at 70.7 inches versus 68.2 inches, which contributes to its slightly smaller 33.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Nautilus's 36.4 cu ft. The powertrain differences—AWD for the Nautilus versus RWD for the standard GLE—also present a practical trade-off for buyers prioritizing traction over the GLE's marginally faster 9-speed transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lincoln Nautilus
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers superior combined fuel economy at 24 MPG and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is often preferred for daily driving versatility.
2025 Lincoln Nautilus
The Nautilus provides greater utility with 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLE's 33.3 cu ft, offering more room for passengers and gear.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE delivers marginally better output with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Nautilus's corresponding figures.
2025 Lincoln Nautilus
The Nautilus offers comparable power figures while costing $8,310 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, resulting in a stronger value proposition.
Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the starting MSRP is $53,940, saving $8,310 over the competitor.
- Maximum cargo space is required, evidenced by its 36.4 cu ft capacity versus 33.3 cu ft.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is desired for varying road conditions.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...
- You prioritize marginally superior performance metrics, achieving 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- A taller ride height (70.7 inches) is preferred for ingress/egress or visibility.
- A 9-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the 8-speed unit in the Nautilus.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lincoln Nautilus | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.2" | 194.3" |
| Width | 76.9" | 76.7" |
| Height | 68.2" | 70.7" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 117.9" |
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 | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 420.0/580.0 mi. | 472.5/630.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20.0 gal. | 22.5 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 | 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 |
| Infotainment Display | — | 12.3 in |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.5 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.9 in. | 59.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.8 in. | 60.8 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 | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 59.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 255/50R19 |
| 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 GLE.
What is the key mechanical difference in standard drivetrain configuration?
The standard 2025 Lincoln Nautilus comes equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the base 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE utilizes Rear Wheel Drive (RWD). This impacts traction performance in low-grip situations.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Nautilus than the GLE?
The Nautilus leads in efficiency with a Combined MPG of 24, achieving 1 MPG better than the GLE's 23 MPG combined rating. Both vehicles specify premium fuel requirements.
Which crossover offers more physical passenger/cargo space?
The Nautilus is more voluminous internally, offering 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLE's 33.3 cu ft. Additionally, the GLE is significantly taller at 70.7 inches versus the Nautilus's 68.2 inches.
Is the power difference between the two models significant?
The power disparity is minimal, with the GLE having a 5 horsepower advantage (255 hp vs. 250 hp) and 15 lb-ft more torque (295 lb-ft vs. 280 lb-ft). This slight edge is mated to a 9-speed transmission in the GLE versus the Nautilus's 8-speed.
How large is the price gap between these two luxury crossovers?
There is a substantial $8,310 difference in their base MSRPs, with the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus starting at $53,940 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE starting at $62,250.
Do either of these vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?
No, both vehicles specify a requirement for premium unleaded gasoline. The Nautilus lists it as recommended, while the GLE lists it as required.
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