2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC had a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges, which contrasted with the aggressive styling trends of many contemporary SUVs. Its long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. The cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover “coupe” body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look.

Standard equipment on the entry-level GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Inside, it featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen. Optional packages added features like navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, ambient lighting, and a Burmester premium sound system. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 models offered more potent powertrains and additional performance upgrades.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, featured a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The NX’s interior had a minimalist design, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats and unique interior elements, while the Luxury trim included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The NX also offered a panoramic sunroof for the first time.

The NX’s interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel available. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, and the NX’s panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. The Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes. Lexus claimed a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The powertrain was generally responsive, with occasional lag when pulling away from a stop. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 models offered more powerful engines, with the GLC63 S boasting a twin-turbo V8 producing 503 horsepower.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom drive modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension.

The NX 350 F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine was less refined than its German rivals, and the F Sport did a better job of isolating impacts from road imperfections. The NX had 7.7 inches of ground clearance, limiting its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe’s fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC had a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, with plenty of headroom in the SUV but less in the Coupe due to its low roofline.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The new dashboard design created a more intimate feeling, and the NX was comfortable with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, and the NX’s panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. The Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, with both touch controller and touchscreen options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but switching between the GLC’s radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display standard and a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands. The NX also offered a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which featured Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.