Thanks for the response, it sounds like we have similar taste as I find the Lexus quite unappealing and why we are looking at the LC. What was your overall experience like going from the Benz to the LC, the difference in horsepower is just one of a few stark differences when comparing the two vehicles. We are keeping our daily driver (2018 Navigator) but by the time we have the LC built to our wants/needs we’ll have spent a fair amount more on it than the Lincoln. Granted, it’s not a fair comparison between a 4x4 and a luxury SUV but, and correct me if I’m wrong, the LC tries to straddle the fence of both these categories.
The switch from the G63 to the LC was interesting. I've always been a huge fan of both and previously owned a 2006 Lexus LX-470, so I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting with the LC. But some of the differences that stand out (I'll include power just for completeness):
1) The G63 had TONS of power. When getting on the highway (especially if the on ramp slopes uphill), I could step on the gas and be up to speed with no effort. Same thing passing traffic - just tap the gas and you're off like a rocket. The Land Cruiser does have plenty of power, it's just a bit weird feeling at first making the change. It also seems like as the engine breaks in a bit, the Land Cruiser is feeling a bit more powerful. It could also be that it's longer since I drove the G63.
2) I loved the boxy look of the G63, but I also love the styling of the Land Cruiser. I used to get waves or comments (almost always positive, but not always) about the G63 and though I don't live for it, I assumed that would change with the Land Cruiser. It's a bit tough to judge that right now with the Covid19 situation, but on the very first drive home from the dealer on the brief stretch of highway, someone passed me in a Tacoma and the passenger waved and gave me a big thumbs up - I honestly wasn't expecting that.
3) The cargo space in the G63 was nice and usable because it's very squared off, but even though I liked the swinging door with the tire on it, it made access difficult for heavy or large items (hard to get a person on each side). The cargo space in the LC is a fair amount larger and with the tailgate arrangement, you can get a person on each side, so that's a nice plus in both regards.
4) The optional quilted leather seats (the primary reason I went with a G63 instead of a G550) in the G63 were really nice and had more side bolster support (which was also adjustable), but the seats in the LC are no disappointment. I haven't been on a long trip in the LC yet, but I did go on some long trips in the LX470 and it was probably the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned for long trips.
5) The interior trim in the G63 was definitely nicer (I had the optional carbon fiber, but the wood options are really nice too), but I don't feel like I'm in a cheap interior by any stretch in the LC.
6) The G63 had Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, which was a plus and the infotainment system was a bit more modern feeling all around. The radio presets for satellite radio included the station name instead of just the number, which was nice. The flash drive support indexed my music much more quickly (the LC is still working on it...). BUT, I don't feel as though the infotainment system in the LC is terrible (and navigation has worked just fine for the quick tests I've given it so far) and there are ways to add Apple CarPlay support. Perhaps surprisingly, the sound quality of the JBL system is quite a bit better in the LC.
7) On the road, the LC has a MUCH smoother ride than the G63. That is certainly largely due to the G63 having solid axles front and rear while the LC has IFS. But that should make a huge difference on long trip comfort. The G63 had far better acceleration and could take off ramps at higher speed without feeling like it was trying to pull out of the curve. Overall, I think the LC will be quite a bit better for long trips.
8) Gas mileage is similar between the 2, but the LC doesn't require premium fuel, which will reduce the cost of fill ups.
9) Aftermarket support is no contest - the LC has a vast array of aftermarket support, while the G63/G550 have adequate support (for example, winch bumpers are rather hard to find for the G's).
10) Similarly, forum support is better for the LC. There are several G-wagon boards, but just this one subforum on ih8mud for the LC200 is more active than all the G-wagon forums combined.
11) This is a big one... Reliability of the LC should hands down be FAR better than the G63, maintenance costs should be less, and I suspect parts availability will be better. Both tail light assemblies had cracked on my G63 (covered by the warranty as they determined they were over tightened at the factory) and one had been on back order for about 9 months before finally coming in. I know LC parts aren't cheap, but G63 parts are insanely expensive as is routine maintenance at the dealer (about $1000 for the annual / 10K service and a brake job with an employee discount on the parts cost about $2500 late last year).
12) Visibility. This is one area where the G is tough to beat. You get a very good view of the front from the driver's seat and the view out the side and rear windows is excellent. The LC isn't bad, but I am finding it tougher to know exactly where the front end is when parking and pulling into the garage, but it's getting better as I get used to new reference points.
The revised G-wagon (2019 and newer) would change things a bit, but not all positive. They've gone to IFS, made the vehicle slightly longer, and made the interior even more luxurious. But they also REDUCED the rear cargo space by about 15% to give more room to the 2nd row seats and IMO some things just don't feel as robust as the older model. The price for a comparably configured G63 has also jumped by about $25K, which puts what I would want at $175K, which is beyond my comfort zone.
I had decided that the new 2019+ G-wagon was too much money, then the back ordered parts and how the dealer was handling that really bugged me, and I was putting a lot of thought into the long term costs of the G63 and decided it made sense to make the switch. So far, I haven't regretted the switch.
If I've missed anything you're curious about, please feel free to ask.