2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$76,400 · Crossover

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between sheer performance luxury and accessible, spacious comfort can be tough, especially when comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe (car1) against the revamped 2026 Lincoln Nautilus (car2). The initial sticker shock is real: car1 starts at a hefty $76,400, while car2 undercuts it significantly at $53,995—a difference of $22,405 right out of the gate. This price gap directly reflects the performance gap, as the GLE Coupe boasts 375 hp compared to the Nautilus's 250 hp, a notable 125 hp advantage for the Mercedes. However, practicality leans toward the Lincoln; the Nautilus offers 36.4 cu ft of cargo space, beating the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cu ft. Fuel economy is also better for the Lincoln, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Mercedes' 21 combined MPG, even though both premium fuel types are involved.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the better commuter due to its superior fuel economy of 24 combined MPG and lower running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus offers more usable space for passengers and cargo, boasting 36.4 cu ft of capacity compared to the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe is the clear choice for performance junkies, offering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

With a $22,405 lower starting MSRP and better efficiency, the 2026 Nautilus delivers significantly more value for the dollar.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe if...

You prioritize outright speed and handling, as the GLE Coupe delivers 125 more horsepower (375 hp vs 250 hp).
You prefer the refined engineering of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the Nautilus's 8-speed unit.
You desire the specific styling and prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand, regardless of the $76,400 entry price.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Budget is a major concern, as the Nautilus saves you $22,405 upfront, starting at $53,995.
You need maximum utility, thanks to its larger 36.4 cu ft of cargo room.
You value slightly better efficiency, achieving 29 highway MPG compared to the GLE Coupe’s 25 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	194.5"	193.2"
Width	79.3"	76.9"
Height	68.1"	68.2"
Wheelbase	115.6"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
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 Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5800 rpm	250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/25 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	427.5/562.5 mi.	420.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	—
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	2	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	10

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	43.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	58.9 in.
Front Hip Room	60.8 in.	56.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.9 in.	43.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	58.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.8 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more powerful is the Mercedes GLE Coupe than the Lincoln Nautilus?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe holds a significant power advantage, delivering 375 hp versus the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus's 250 hp. This 125 hp difference means the Mercedes will offer noticeably quicker acceleration, which enthusiasts will appreciate.

Is the added cost of the Mercedes GLE Coupe worth it for family use?

For most families, the answer is likely no, especially considering the 2026 Nautilus offers more utility. The Lincoln provides 36.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mercedes' 31.6 cu ft, and it costs $22,405 less initially.

Which vehicle uses less expensive fuel in the long run?

Although both suggest premium fuel, the 2026 Nautilus is more efficient at 24 combined MPG versus the GLE Coupe’s 21 combined MPG. This better mileage will lead to fewer stops at the pump over the vehicle's lifespan.

How do the sizes of these crossovers compare?

The vehicles are similar in overall footprint; the GLE Coupe is slightly longer at 194.5 inches compared to the Nautilus's 193.2 inches. However, the GLE Coupe is considerably wider at 79.3 inches, which could impact tight parking situations.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe requires premium unleaded fuel. The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus only recommends premium unleaded, meaning it can run on regular fuel, although performance may be slightly optimized with premium.

What is the key performance differentiator aside from horsepower?

Torque figures show the Mercedes leads with 369 lb-ft, while the Lincoln produces 280 lb-ft, meaning the GLE Coupe will feel stronger pulling away from a stop or when passing at highway speeds.