2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs 2026 Lincoln Navigator
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the majestic 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and the revamped 2026 Lincoln Navigator often comes down to priorities: refined efficiency versus raw capability. For buyers worried about running costs, the GLS leads comfortably with a combined 21 MPG rating, compared to the Navigator's unknown but presumed lower figure, and it only requires premium fuel. However, if acceleration and towing grunt matter more, the Navigator pulls ahead decisively, boasting 440 horsepower and a robust 510 lb-ft of torque, significantly overshadowing the GLS's 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the GLS is slightly more compact at 205.0 inches long, which might ease parking. Meanwhile, the Navigator skips the premium fuel requirement. Despite the GLS's better stated fuel economy, the Navigator's superior power output and regular fuel allowance suggest a different kind of day-to-day benefit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
The 2025 GLS-Class wins for daily commuting due to its stated 21 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Lincoln Navigator
The 2026 Navigator is likely better for families needing maximum pulling power, offering 510 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator clearly satisfies enthusiasts with a 65 hp advantage, producing 440 hp versus the GLS's 375 hp.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
The GLS offers better documented fuel efficiency (21 MPG combined) and a lower MSRP of $89,200.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if...
- You prioritize fuel economy and achieve the stated 21 MPG combined efficiency.
- You want the lower starting price point at $89,200.
- You prefer slightly more manageable dimensions, measuring 205.0 inches long.
Choose the Lincoln Navigator if...
- You demand substantial performance, leveraging the 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
- You need the stronger acceleration implied by the 65 hp advantage.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class | Lincoln Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 205.0" | - |
| Width | 79.9" | - |
| Height | 71.8" | - |
| Wheelbase | 123.4" | - |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5800 rpm | 440 hp @ 5850 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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 | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4WD System Type | — | On Demand |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Single-Speed |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/24 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 452.2/571.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 48.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Burmester | — |
| Stereo Power | 590W | — |
| Speaker System | 13 | 14 |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | Revel |
| Video Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Audio/Video Remote Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.3 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 60.8 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Massage Function | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.9 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 60.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 21 x 11.0 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 315/40R21 | P275/50R22 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Non-Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 22 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. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 2026 Lincoln Navigator.
Which vehicle is cheaper to run based on fuel type?
The 2026 Lincoln Navigator has a clear advantage here as it runs on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class mandates the more expensive premium unleaded. This savings can offset some of the GLS's higher 21 MPG rating over time.
How much more powerful is the Navigator than the GLS?
The 2026 Navigator offers significantly more power, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial lead over the GLS's 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Navigator will feel much quicker in straight-line acceleration.
What is the official fuel economy difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class officially claims 21 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway), which is excellent for a large vehicle. Lincoln has not published official MPG figures for the 2026 Navigator, but its larger engine typically suggests lower efficiency than the GLS.
Are these vehicles similar in size?
They are both large, with the GLS measuring 205.0 inches long and the Navigator being a full-size SUV, though exact dimensions for the Navigator are pending. The GLS sits at 71.8 inches in height, offering a commanding presence.
Does the Mercedes have less cargo space?
Based on the provided data, the 2025 GLS-Class lists a maximum cargo capacity of 17.4 cubic feet. Since the Navigator's capacity wasn't provided, we can only note that the GLS's figure is relatively small for this segment, suggesting families may want to check the Navigator's specs.
Which vehicle has a more complex drivetrain?
Both feature automatic transmissions with 9-speed (GLS) and 10-speed (Navigator) options, and both offer AWD/4WD. The GLS utilizes a premium fuel requirement with its setup, while the Navigator achieves more power using regular fuel.
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