2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs 2026 Lincoln Aviator

$61,850 · Crossover

$56,910 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the 2026 Lincoln Aviator is the power output differential, with the Aviator boasting 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the GLE-Class's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. This substantial 145 hp advantage for the Aviator is coupled with a lower entry MSRP of $56,910 compared to the GLE-Class's $61,850, establishing an immediate $4,940 cost discrepancy. However, the GLE-Class demonstrates superior operational efficiency, achieving a combined 23 MPG versus the Aviator's unlisted but implied lower efficiency, considering it only mandates premium fuel rather than requiring it. Dimensionally, the Aviator is longer at 199.7 inches and wider at 79.6 inches, but the GLE-Class offers considerably more utility with 33.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft. Buyers must weigh the Aviator's superior raw performance against the GLE's fuel economy and cargo volume advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class is the clear choice for families requiring utility, offering 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator is favored by driving enthusiasts due to its substantial advantage of 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offers superior performance metrics, delivering 145 more horsepower for a $4,940 lower initial MSRP.

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

Maximum cargo utility is required, as the GLE-Class provides 33.3 cubic feet of storage.
Higher fuel efficiency is prioritized, evidenced by its 23 MPG combined rating.
A base MSRP under $62,000 is essential, although it costs $4,940 more than the competitor.

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...

Maximum engine output is the primary concern, headlined by 400 horsepower.
The lowest possible upfront purchase price of $56,910 is desired.
A wider stance (79.6 inches) and a 10-speed automatic transmission are preferable characteristics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class	Lincoln Aviator
Length	194.3"	199.7"
Width	76.7"	79.6"
Height	70.7"	69.2"
Wheelbase	117.9"	119.1"

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	2
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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	400 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	415 lb-ft
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	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	472.5/630.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	20.2 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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	13.2 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
Rear Volume Controls	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	60.8 in.	58.5 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	10-way	8-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

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	61.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.8 in.	58.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R19	255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significant is the performance gap between the two crossovers?

The performance gap is substantial; the 2026 Lincoln Aviator generates 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This is a 145 hp and 120 lb-ft advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, which produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

Which vehicle offers a better baseline value proposition?

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator presents a stronger value based on power metrics, retailing for $56,910 compared to the GLE-Class's $61,850 MSRP. This represents a $4,940 saving for considerably more horsepower.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class substantially more fuel-efficient?

Yes, the GLE-Class has a published combined MPG of 23, which is likely superior to the Aviator given the significant horsepower difference. The GLE requires premium unleaded, while the Aviator only recommends it.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator is longer (199.7 inches vs. 194.3 inches) and significantly wider (79.6 inches vs. 76.7 inches). However, the GLE-Class is taller at 70.7 inches compared to the Aviator's 69.2 inches.

Does the difference in cargo capacity matter for practical use?

Yes, the difference is marked; the GLE-Class provides 33.3 cu ft of cargo space, offering 14.1 cu ft more capacity than the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft.

Do both vehicles utilize a rear-wheel-drive platform?

Both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the 2026 Lincoln Aviator utilize a rear-wheel-drive platform for their base configurations. The GLE uses a 9-speed automatic, while the Aviator upgrades to a 10-speed automatic.