2026 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$53,995 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus offers serene American luxury starting at a tempting $53,995, prioritizing comfort and space with a healthy 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Its 250 hp powertrain delivers adequate propulsion, netting 24 MPG combined on recommended premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe bursts onto the scene as a performance crossover, commanding an $77,250 MSRP while delivering a thrilling 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This German powerhouse sacrifices some utility, offering only 31.6 cubic feet of cargo room, and its fuel economy dips to 21 MPG combined, though it requires the higher octane fuel. The staggering $23,255 price disparity highlights a fundamental choice: the Nautilus provides approachable, spacious elegance, whereas the GLE Coupe commits aggressively to on-road athleticism and status with 125 more horsepower.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus wins for daily driving due to its superior 24 MPG combined efficiency compared to the GLE Coupe's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln offers significantly more practicality with 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Mercedes' 31.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The GLE Coupe is the clear choice for driving excitement, boasting 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus delivers an excellent luxury crossover package while undercutting the GLE Coupe's price by a massive $23,255.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

You prioritize budget savings, as the $53,995 starting price undercuts Car 2 by over $23,000.
You need maximum utility, benefiting from the 36.4 cu ft of available cargo capacity.
You seek slightly better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG on the highway versus the competitor's 25 MPG.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

Performance is paramount, as the 375 hp engine provides a significant acceleration advantage.
You desire a slightly more commanding presence, given its 79.3-inch width compared to Car 1’s 76.9 inches.
You are willing to pay the premium for a more powerful drive train featuring 125 more horsepower.

Key Dimensions

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

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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	250 hp @ 5500 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
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	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

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

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	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

What is the primary trade-off when choosing the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe over the Lincoln Nautilus?

The primary trade-off is performance versus practicality and price; the GLE Coupe offers 125 more horsepower (375 hp vs. 250 hp), but it costs $23,255 more and offers nearly 5 cubic feet less cargo space.

Do both crossovers require premium fuel, and how does that affect running costs?

The Lincoln Nautilus recommends premium unleaded and achieves a combined 24 MPG, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe requires premium unleaded and is rated at 21 MPG combined, suggesting higher overall fuel expenses for Car 2.

Which vehicle offers better utility dimensions for hauling cargo?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is superior for cargo hauling, providing 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row, significantly more than the 31.6 cubic feet offered by the aggressively styled GLE Coupe.

How much more powerful is the GLE Coupe compared to the Nautilus?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe generates 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, establishing a substantial 125 hp and 89 lb-ft advantage over the Nautilus's 250 hp and 280 lb-ft.

Are the dimensions very different between these two AWD crossovers?

While both are large crossovers, the GLE Coupe is slightly longer (194.5 inches vs. 193.2 inches) and noticeably wider (79.3 inches vs. 76.9 inches), which might impact tight garage parking.

Which car has the superior transmission based on the provided specs?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering one extra gear ratio over the Lincoln Nautilus's 8-speed automatic.