2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$61,850 · Crossover

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class bursts onto the scene with a decidedly rear-wheel-drive bias and the prestige of the three-pointed star, starting at a premium $61,850. While its 255 hp offers a slight edge in power, it demands premium fuel for its 9-speed automatic. Contrastingly, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus enters the fray emphasizing sheer practicality and value, priced significantly lower at $53,995. The Nautilus boasts superior utility with 36.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLE's 33.3 cu ft, and it provides the confident grip of All-Wheel Drive right out of the box. Although the GLE claims slightly higher peak torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Nautilus's 280 lb-ft, the Lincoln nudges ahead in efficiency, delivering a Combined MPG of 24 against the Mercedes' 23 MPG, making the financial gap of $7,855 a substantial consideration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus wins for commuters due to its standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly better 24 Combined MPG rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus offers superior family utility with 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the GLE-Class's 33.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class appeals more to driving purists with its rear-wheel-drive setup and higher peak torque of 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus provides substantial savings with an MSRP of $53,995, significantly undercutting the GLE-Class by $7,855.

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

You prioritize the driving dynamics associated with a rear-wheel-drive layout.
You desire the prestige and luxury cachet embodied by the Mercedes-Benz badge.
You need the highest available torque figure, reaching 295 lb-ft, paired with a 9-speed transmission.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Budget is a primary concern, saving $7,855 off the initial purchase price.
You require maximum hauling capacity, benefitting from 36.4 cu ft of cargo room.
You live in an area requiring year-round traction, thanks to standard All-Wheel Drive.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	194.3"	193.2"
Width	76.7"	76.9"
Height	70.7"	68.2"
Wheelbase	117.9"	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	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 3000 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	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	472.5/630.0 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	—
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	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

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	P255/60R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

How does the performance gap feel between the 255 hp GLE and the 250 hp Nautilus?

While the GLE-Class has a 5 horsepower advantage and slightly higher torque (295 vs 280 lb-ft), the true difference lies in the drivetrain; the GLE is RWD while the Nautilus is AWD, which affects power delivery feel more than the nominal output figures.

Is the fuel requirement difference significant for daily driving?

Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class requires premium unleaded fuel, increasing running costs, whereas the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus only recommends it, offering more flexibility for the commuter.

Which vehicle provides more space for family road trips?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the clear winner here, offering 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 33.3 cubic feet available in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

What justifies the nearly $8,000 price difference between these two crossovers?

The higher MSRP of the GLE-Class ($61,850 vs $53,995 for the Nautilus) largely reflects the Mercedes-Benz brand positioning, potentially superior interior materials (though not quantified here), and the base RWD configuration.

How do the transmissions compare in efficiency and responsiveness?

The GLE utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic gearbox, theoretically allowing for finer ratio steps, while the Nautilus employs an 8-speed automatic, though the Nautilus manages to eke out a slight MPG advantage on the highway (29 vs 28 MPG).

Are the exterior dimensions very different between the two models?

The vehicles are very similar in footprint; the Mercedes GLE is marginally longer at 194.3 inches versus the Nautilus's 193.2 inches, but the Lincoln is significantly shorter in height at 68.2 inches compared to the GLE's 70.7 inches.