2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class sported a newly designed front fascia that was modern and aligned with Mercedes' contemporary design ethos. Featuring a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights inspired by the A-Class and CLS-Class models, the GLC introduced a slightly refreshed yet familiar aesthetic. Though stylish head-on, the GLC was often seen as bland from other angles. The mass-market GLC 300, in particular, lacked visual excitement, prompting suggestions for alternatives like the Volvo XC60 or the Acura RDX for a more dynamic appearance. AMG versions of the GLC, with their distinctive wide tires, vertical-bar grille, and lower stance, and the GLC Coupe’s fastback roofline added a degree of visual drama, but it was evident that Mercedes did not prioritize an overtly stylish SUV. The beige paint job and 18-inch wheels on the test car were so inconspicuous that the vehicle was easy to lose in a parking lot, which felt disappointing for a model priced over $60,000.

However, the interior craftsmanship of the 2020 GLC-Class was unparalleled. The use of high-quality materials like stained gray ash wood and rich leather, along with impeccable fit and finish, made the cabin luxurious. A major update for 2020 included a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen that significantly improved over the previous models' smaller displays, accompanied by a more refined steering wheel with additional controls and optional 12.3-inch display in the instrument cluster.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX retained Lexus's signature design elements, giving it a sharp and sculpted look akin to the smaller UX and larger RX models. The NX's dimensions were similar to the Toyota RAV4’s. The base NX 300 included standard power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the NX 300 F Sport variant, aimed at delivering a sportier aesthetic, boasted a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, chrome-trimmed lower bumper, redesigned rear bumper and taillights, and larger 18-inch F Sport wheels with all-season or summer tires.

Inside, the F Sport variant featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats available in distinct color options like Circuit Red, Black, or an Arctic White/Black combination. The interior’s fit and finish were excellent, aligning with Lexus’s reputation for craftsmanship. The familiar four-dial gauge cluster offered a somewhat dated but functional design compared to the more modern digital displays available in competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Rogue. The G-Force meter in the F Sport was borrowed from the Lexus LFA supercar, but it felt more like a gimmick for a suburban vehicle.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a newly introduced turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, an increase in horsepower compared to previous models. The 9-speed automatic transmission, with its substantial reprogramming, allowed the GLC 300 to feel more responsive, with gears holding longer and downshifting more promptly to keep power readily available. While the engine felt adequate, it fell short compared to the engines found in competitors like the BMW X3 or even the Honda Accord, particularly in terms of sound quality, vibration, and overall response.

The performance division of Mercedes-Benz, AMG, offered more exhilarating options. The 2020 AMG GLC 43, arriving in late 2019, featured a potent twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivered linear and robust power, enhanced by the engaging sound of the sport exhaust. More powerful variants like the AMG GLC 63 featured a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing up to 503 hp and 516 lb-ft in the S 4Matic Coupe model. Though offering thrilling on-road performance, the handling of the GLC 300 itself was underwhelming, with notable body roll, vague steering, and sloppy suspension control, making the AMG upgrades worth considering.

Fuel efficiency for the GLC 300 4Matic was rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, but real-world performance saw averages closer to 22 mpg. The AMG models, particularly the 63-series, had lower fuel efficiency estimates, and the upcoming GLC 350e plug-in hybrid was expected to offer better economy.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Although the transmission was considered adequate, newer competitors with eight-, nine-, or ten-speed transmissions offered smoother shifts. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in approximately seven seconds, a standard performance for the segment. Active Sound Control in the F Sport variant electronically enhanced the engine note, but this artificial enhancement was seen as unnecessary by purists.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The AWD system could distribute up to 50% of the available torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. The NX's fuel economy was moderate, with both the FWD and AWD models achieving around 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and combined figures of 24-25 mpg. Lexus recommended using 91-octane or higher unleaded fuel for optimal performance.

The F Sport variant's adaptive suspension could make up to 650 adjustments per second, based on the technology found in the LC 500 sport coupe, providing a smoother and more engaging ride. Drive modes in the NX influenced throttle response and steering assist, offering Eco, Normal, and Sport settings with corresponding changes in instrument cluster color.

The interior of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class combined digital and physical controls in an intuitive layout, though new users might find the learning curve steep. The column shifter and seat controls on the doors required some getting used to but made sense after a period of adjustment. The MBUX system, replacing the older COMAND interface, offered a streamlined and customizable experience with various controls accessible via touchscreen, thumb pad, and central touchpad. The GLC comfortably accommodated four adults, though rear seat recline adjustments were awkward and counterintuitive. Cargo space was limited, offering 19 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 57 cubic feet with seats folded down, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Lexus NX provided a comfortable and well-constructed interior. The front seats offered ample space for adults, and the second-row seating was sufficient for two adults, though it featured a 60/40 split-folding mechanism for added versatility. Engine noise could intrude into the cabin, but road and wind noise were well-mitigated. Cargo capacity was modest, with 17.7 cubic feet available behind the second-row seats, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet when folded down. This made the NX one of the smaller options in its class. Optional features included a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class came equipped with the advanced MBUX infotainment system, which featured a sophisticated voice assistant, augmented reality navigation, and a considerable degree of AI-based functionality predicting user preferences. Despite these high-tech features, some elements felt less integrated, presenting as pop-up videos rather than a seamless experience. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-C ports, made connectivity convenient. Optional wireless charging and the new Off-Road Engineering Package highlighted additional capabilities, though the latter was more suited for occasional use rather than serious off-roading.

The 2021 Lexus NX boasted a raised high infotainment screen in the center of the dashboard. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, with an optional 10.3-inch display available as part of the Navigation package. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, enhancing the usability of the infotainment system, which otherwise was criticized for its user-unfriendly design based on a central touchpad. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a USB port, and a WiFi hot spot. An optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system provided superior sound quality, and the Lexus Enform Remote app allowed for remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class garnered top safety ratings. It scored a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, attesting to its robust crash protection and advanced safety features. The new Exit Warning Assist and Pre-Safe Sound systems highlighted Mercedes’ commitment to innovative safety technology, with features designed to protect eardrums in a crash and pre-prime brakes in anticipation of emergency stops.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, and pedestrian detection. Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert complemented optional features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The NX also received top ratings from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its high level of safety. Lexus’s Enform Safety Connect technology added an extra layer of security with features like automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking.