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2020 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label | Ford

Who on Earth Would Buy a 2021 Lincoln Navigator Black Label Instead of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon?

OK, if you’re going to throw down $100 grand on an SUV, what’s $30,000 more, am I right? I definitely won’t be spending that much on a vehicle any time soon––or ever, more likely. But I am definitely among the countless out there who think about what they’d buy with X amount of dollars. And––if …

OK, if you’re going to throw down $100 grand on an SUV, what’s $30,000 more, am I right? I definitely won’t be spending that much on a vehicle any time soon––or ever, more likely. But I am definitely among the countless out there who think about what they’d buy with X amount of dollars. And––if I had six-figure pockets ready to spend that kind of money on a new luxury SUV––I can’t imagine ever buying a Lincoln Navigator Black Label instead of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

tan 2020 Mercedes-benz g-wagon press photo
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon | US News and World Report

Is the 2021 Lincoln Navigator a good SUV?

Yes, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator is a good large luxury SUV for families. In terms of American luxury, it’s difficult to beat the Lincoln Navigator. This three-row family SUV has two size options: big and bigger. According to the Lincoln website, a new Navigator starts at $76,185. For those that want the range-topping Lincoln Navigator Black Lable, however, will have to spend a large chunk more for their gigantic American luxury SUV.

The inside of the 2020 Lincoln Navigator that's been upgraded with a rear-seat entertainment system.
Lincoln Navigator interior | Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator Black Label starts at $98,185. This model offers standard all-wheel drive. In addition, this Navigator comes with every creature comfort available for this luxury SUV––except the rear entertainment system which costs a few grand extra to add. With a few tweaks and options––rear entertainment, for example––the Lincoln Navigator Black Label breaches the six-figure mark.

In terms of versatility, the Navigator effortlessly blends workhorse fundamentals with luxury appointments. The twin-turbocharged V6 engine gets up to 450 horsepower. In addition, Car and Driver reports that the 2021 Lincoln Navigator has a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds.

2020 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label | Ford
Lincoln Navigator L Black Label | Ford

“The Navigator is pure American-style luxury, and that’s something few of its competitors can match.”

Car and Driver

How much is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G 550 G-Wagon?

A quick look at the Mercedes-Benz website shows pricing that starts at $130,900. So right off the bat, yes it’s quite a bit more expensive than the Lincoln Navigator Black Label. But really, if you can afford a $100,000 SUV you can probably afford a $130,000 SUV.

2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class interior
Mercedes-Benz G-Class interior | Mercedes-Benz

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G 550 G-Wagon is a formidable off-road beast. It offers tons of room and it’s everything you’d expect from a six-figure Mercedes-Benz SUV. Plus, it’s more customizable than ever with a ton of exterior and exterior style and color options for 2021.

A new Mercedes G-Wagon will tow up to 7,000 pounds, according to Car and Driver. The current Mercedes-Benz G-wagon has a twin-turbo V8 engine that makes 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Its primary disadvantage is that if you want a large family-oriented SUV, you may want to turn to something with three rows. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G 550 G-Wagon offers ample cargo space, but the seating arrangement only accommodates up to 5 passengers.

2020 Mercedes G-Class | Mercedes-0
Mercedes G-Class | Mercedes

Why would someone choose a Navigator instead of the G-Wagon?

One of the major features that will turn families from German luxury to American in this case is the passenger accommodations. In terms of seating, the third-row luxury SUV trumps the two-row off-roader as far as carpooling is concerned. Of course, there’s also the issue of the higher price––though it seems families that can afford one can also afford the other.

a new navigator in motion on city streets
Lincoln Navigator | Ford

The Mercedes-Benz V8 engine will also return inferior fuel economy. A Lincoln Navigator Black Label gets about 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The new G-Wagon stats are at 13/17. Overall, the Navigator is a bit less flashy and it’s also more practical. But for adventurous families that want to live the life of luxury with the option to drive virtually anywhere on earth, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon isn’t all that huge of an uptick in pricing.

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