2026 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$53,995 · Crossover

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When faced with choosing between the supremely comfortable 2026 Lincoln Nautilus and the prestigious 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, your decision often boils down to budget versus badge prestige. The Nautilus starts much lower at $53,995 compared to the GLE's $62,250—a significant $8,255 difference that can cover several years of premium fuel. While both offer comparable power, the Nautilus edges out slightly in efficiency, achieving a 24 MPG combined versus the GLE's 23 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Lincoln offers 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, noticeably more than the GLE's 33.3 cubic feet, making it the more practical hauler. Although the GLE boasts a slight advantage in torque (295 lb-ft vs. 280 lb-ft) and an extra gear in its automatic transmission, the Nautilus presents a strong case for the daily driver prioritizing space and savings, especially since both use recommended or required premium fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus is the better commuter due to its lower MSRP and slightly better combined fuel economy of 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

Families will appreciate the Nautilus offering 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the GLE's 33.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE appeals slightly more to enthusiasts with its higher torque output of 295 lb-ft and a superior 9-speed transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus delivers excellent utility starting $8,255 cheaper than the comparable GLE model.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

You want to save immediately, as the Nautilus starts at $53,995 versus $62,250 for the GLE.
You need maximum luggage room, as the Nautilus provides 36.4 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer an All-Wheel Drive platform for variable weather conditions, unlike the standard Rear Wheel Drive on the base GLE.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

You prefer the driving dynamics and standard configuration of a Rear Wheel Drive platform.
You want the slightly higher output of 295 lb-ft of torque, beating the Nautilus's 280 lb-ft.
You prioritize the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand and its 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Nautilus	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Length	193.2"	194.3"
Width	76.9"	76.7"
Height	68.2"	70.7"
Wheelbase	114.2"	117.9"

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	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	250 hp @ 5500 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/580.0 mi.	472.5/630.0 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

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
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	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/60R19	255/50R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Does either vehicle use regular gasoline, or must I pay for premium fuel?

Both vehicles mandate premium fuel; the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus recommends it, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE requires it. Neither base model runs on regular unleaded.

How significant is the difference in size between these two crossovers?

They are very similar in length (Nautilus 193.2 in vs. GLE 194.3 in), but the GLE is notably taller at 70.7 inches compared to the Nautilus's 68.2 inches.

If I frequently haul cargo, which crossover is the clear winner?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus wins clearly on cargo hauling capacity, offering 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which is over 3 cubic feet more than the GLE's 33.3 cubic feet.

Is the performance difference noticeable between the 250 hp Nautilus and the 255 hp GLE?

While the GLE has 5 more horsepower, the torque figures (280 lb-ft vs. 295 lb-ft) are closer, suggesting the driving experience will feel similar in everyday acceleration.

What is the biggest financial factor to consider between these two MSRPs?

The initial purchase price gap is substantial; the GLE's MSRP of $62,250 is $8,255 more than the Nautilus's starting price of $53,995, which should be weighed against the cost of required premium fuel.

Why does the base GLE use RWD while the Nautilus defaults to AWD?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is standard with Rear Wheel Drive, typically favored for balanced handling, whereas the Nautilus comes standard with All Wheel Drive for enhanced traction.