2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

Sometimes, only a full-size SUV will do. Among the handful of large luxury models available, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator stands apart with its classically elegant design, robust towing capacity, and soothing comfort in all three rows of seats.

For the 2022 Navigator, Lincoln makes numerous changes to update the SUV’s styling, comfort, technology, safety, and driving dynamics. In short, the facelift has revived the aging Navigator, keeping it competitive against newer rivals.

A subtle refresh for the 2024 model year (launched in 2023) keeps the popular Mercedes sport-utility competitive against a wide roster of rivals, which include the BMW X5, Genesis GV70, Cadillac XT6, Acura MDX, and Volvo XC90, to name just a few.

Changes between the previous GLE and the 2024 model year consist primarily of a subtle redesign of the front grille (look closely and you’ll see it's now filled with tiny Mercedes-Benz star logos), reprofiled headlights and taillights, an updated infotainment system, and optional off-road-themed air suspension system that can raise the GLE 3 centimetres to clear obstacles. It can also shimmy this Mercedes sport-ute back and forth to help get it unstuck over tricky terrain.

Specific to our testing purposes, the 2024 GLE also ushers in a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant called the GLE 450e 4Matic. As the last part of the name suggests, like every 2024 GLE, all-wheel drive (AWD) is fitted as standard. Yet the big news is what’s under the hood of this new model, namely a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electric motor and 23.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

While fully electrified vehicles presently grab the most automotive headlines, a week spent on a test drive of the GLE 450e highlighted how easily this luxurious PHEV sport-utility adapts to all sorts of driving situations.