2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class exhibited a mixed reception in terms of its aesthetics. It looked adequate and functional, yet lacked the dramatic appeal that characterized some of its competitors. The original ML model from 1997 appeared van-like compared to its rival, the BMW X5. Over the years, despite a renaming in 2016, the GLE still gave an impression similar to a rushed project, particularly from the front to the A-pillar, where it looked somewhat indistinguishable from older models. The rear with flat taillights and contoured design slightly improved its overall look, yet it couldn’t escape a certain minivan vibe. In AMG trim, despite an effort to appear sporty, it still fell short when compared to a BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The redesigned GLE Coupe for 2021 had a more streamlined appearance than its predecessor, and the interior stood out with luxurious quality and a remarkable layout. Colors and textures inside the GLE were visually striking and provided an opulent experience, but the gear selector and turn signal stalks felt flimsy. Meanwhile, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a contemporary and refined design that aligned well with the brand’s identity. The NX showcased the notable spindle grille which made it unmistakably a Lexus. It also featured design elements borrowed from the Lexus IS sports sedan, reflecting a simplistic yet detailed approach. It sported new block lettering on the tailgate and was larger in size than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most models featured NuLuxe simulated leather, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open pore wood trim. The F Sport trim added sporty accents such as a unique mesh-pattern grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats inside. However, the simplified interior might have been overdone, resulting in some controls being less intuitive. Despite minor hiccups with the control symbols, the NX's inherent minimalist design provided an updated and comfortable cabin experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled as a multifaceted SUV with a plethora of advanced features. It offered five suspension configurations, including the base GLE 350 which used a coil-sprung setup for better reliability and comfort. The GLE 450 featured an AIRMATIC suspension with self-leveling air springs and adaptive dampers, which adjusted based on various conditions. The AMG GLE 53 included an AMG Ride Control+ with Roll Stabilization and the Active Curve system, aimed at enhancing handling. E-Active Body Control in particular made headlines for its ability to lean into turns like a motorcyclist and even bounce to escape being stuck in sand. The AMG GLE 53 housed an electric supercharger that provided instant throttle response, while the traditional twin turbos on the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered more exhilarating power. The base GLE 350 utilized a 255-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the GLE 450 had a 362-hp 3.0-liter inline-six. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S had a 483-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and a 603-hp V8, respectively. While fuel efficiency wasn't stellar, with the GLE 450 achieving the best rating at 21/26/23 mpg, the driving experience was exceptional for a large SUV. The GLE also offered impressive towing capabilities of up to 7700 pounds. The 2022 Lexus NX offered multiple powertrain options including electrified versions, which emphasized Lexus’s focus on electrification. The NX 350h hybrid delivered 239 horsepower and an impressive estimated 39 mpg combined, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower and 36 miles of electric-only range. The NX 350 variant came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, featuring an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 250 variant, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, provided 203 horsepower with options for front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Driving modes in the NX 350 included Normal, Sport, and Eco, while the NX 350 F Sport added additional modes like Sport S and Sport+. The F Sport also boasted an adaptive variable sports suspension with performance dampers. The NX had a lower center of gravity and reduced curb weight, making it feel composed and agile. The turbocharged powertrain, while engaging, lacked the refinement of some German counterparts. Nonetheless, handling and driving dynamics were notably improved from the prior model, even though the NX wasn’t designed for off-road ventures with limited ground clearance and shallow approach and departure angles.

For the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, most configurations were spacious two-row SUVs but could be opted with a third-row for a seven-seat layout. The second-row seats were power adjustable, enhancing convenience and comfort. Cargo capacity was a strong suit, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 75 cubic feet with all seats folded down. Conversely, the GLE Coupe had significantly less cargo space, with only 23 cubic feet behind the second row and 61 cubic feet maximum. The Coupe's design also resulted in narrower rear doors, which could make ingress and egress challenging when dealing with large rear tires. In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX claimed to offer increased interior room, though it felt more intimate from the driver’s seat due to the new dashboard design. Front seats in the F Sport trim provided enhanced bolstering, whereas heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel increased comfort across models. The rear seat area was spacious and featured thoughtful amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The panoramic glass sunroof extending over the rear seat added to a sense of openness. Cargo space in the NX was somewhat more limited, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with seats folded down. Despite a 14% increase in cargo space, the overall capacity was still smaller than that of the GLE, particularly when it came to larger loads or bulky items. The ambient illumination and advanced climate control systems in the NX were also noteworthy for adding to cabin comfort and aesthetics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was packed with advanced technology features. The main 12-inch touchscreen display included Interior Assistant for hand gesture control, making it highly interactive. The system could magnify icons, launch programmed shortcuts, and more. The AMG models featured Track Pace apps for enthusiastic driving experiences, while other models had features like Seat Kinetics for continuous comfort adjustments. The infotainment system, with its elaborate search functions and large typefaces, became easier to navigate over time. Other luxury touches included fragrance dispensers, Energizing Comfort packages, and heated armrests. In addition to standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the GLE’s head-up display could be extensively customized, and the MBUX system learned and adapted to voice commands. Ambient lighting in 64 colors, advanced navigation with live camera overlays, and a comprehensive suite of semi-automated driving features showcased the over-engineered yet well-executed Mercedes ethos. The 2022 Lexus NX, with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system, marked a leap forward in technology for the brand. The system featured a standard 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen display and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, advanced voice recognition, and streaming capabilities through popular music services. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained current, and a 10-speaker sound system came standard, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium system available. Lexus Interface supported several connected services, including Wi-Fi and music streaming, which appealed to younger, tech-savvy consumers. The new voice assistant, triggered by “OK Lexus,” responded to naturally spoken commands and could even differentiate between conversational mentions of “Lexus” and command invocations. Additionally, the NX featured cloud-based navigation through the Drive Connect service, User Profiles to store driver preferences, and digital key capability—all advancing the vehicle’s technological appeal. However, criticism arose due to the reflective nature of the touchscreen and the absence of a dedicated tuning knob.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was lauded for its safety, earning the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for its excellent performance in six crash tests and headlight evaluation, along with standard forward emergency braking. Despite the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration not rating it, the GLE boasted several standard and optional safety systems. Key features included blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and front cross-traffic braking. The semi-automated control system could also stop the car if the driver became unresponsive. Safety innovations like Pre-Safe Sound and optional Pre-Safe Impulse Side aimed to mitigate injury in the event of a crash. The 2022 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, incorporating a multitude of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. New additions included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist for enhanced evasive maneuvering, Oncoming Vehicle Detection and Pedestrian Detection for improved automatic emergency braking, and Curve Speed Management which adjusted speed for curves when adaptive cruise control was active. The Emergency Driving Stop System ensured the NX could safely stop in the event of an unresponsive driver. Standard safety features encompassed blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist with digital-latch door releases, and technologies to prevent unsafe turns and collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. The Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist with automatic braking, and rain-sensing wipers. The optional Vision Package included panoramic view monitoring, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.