2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$53,940 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus delivers serene luxury focusing on spacious comfort, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe promises exhilarating performance wrapped in a striking design. The Lincoln sets a compelling pace for comfort seekers with its $53,940 MSRP and a generous 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, achieving a respectable 24 MPG combined from its 250 hp engine. Conversely, the Mercedes leans heavily into driving dynamics, boasting a potent 375 hp output and 369 lb-ft of torque, inviting spirited drives despite a significantly higher $77,250 starting price and only 21 MPG combined. This comparison highlights a major $23,310 gulf in entry cost separating the efficiency-minded American cruiser from the performance-focused German entrant, a difference reflected directly in the 125 hp power gap between the two AWD crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG versus the GLE Coupe's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus provides notably more utility with 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe appeals more to enthusiasts by offering significantly higher power with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus is the clear value choice, priced $23,310 less than the GLE Coupe while still offering capable AWD performance.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Your primary concern is cost savings, given the $23,310 lower MSRP compared to Car 2.
You prioritize maximum hauling ability, utilizing the Nautilus's 36.4 cu ft cargo space.
You seek slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined versus Car 2's 21 MPG combined.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

You crave potent acceleration, leveraging the 125 hp advantage (375 hp vs. 250 hp).
You desire the refinement suggested by a required premium fuel powertrain and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
You prefer a wider stance for potentially sharper handling, as the GLE Coupe is 2.4 inches wider.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Nautilus	Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Length	193.2"	194.5"
Width	76.9"	79.3"
Height	68.2"	68.1"
Wheelbase	114.2"	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 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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	250 hp @ 5500 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	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	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	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/580.0 mi.	427.5/562.5 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 Extended

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	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/60R19	275/50R20
Wheel Size	—	20 x 9.0 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 Coupe.

What is the main performance difference between the Nautilus and the GLE Coupe?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is substantially more powerful, producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which dramatically outpaces the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus's 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.

How significant is the price difference for budget-conscious buyers?

There is a major difference of $23,310 between the starting prices, with the Nautilus at $53,940 and the GLE Coupe starting at $77,250, making the Lincoln significantly more accessible.

Which crossover offers more practical space for gear and luggage?

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is the more practical choice for cargo, offering 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, surpassing the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cubic feet.

Does the difference in MPG affect daily running costs?

Yes, the Nautilus offers better efficiency with 24 MPG combined versus the GLE Coupe's 21 MPG combined, which will lead to less frequent stops at the pump for daily commuters.

Are both vehicles equipped with standard All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe come equipped with an All-Wheel Drive system.

Which vehicle requires the higher grade of gasoline?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe requires premium unleaded fuel for its high-output engine, whereas the Lincoln Nautilus only recommends premium unleaded fuel.