2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Lexus GX

When evaluating the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, it was clear that Lexus catered to enthusiasts of blacked-out vehicles, offering it in Black Onyx, alongside Starfire Pearl and Nori Green Pearl. This special edition eradicated almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, transforming the SUV into a visually imposing figure. However, its susceptibility to dirt and dust was noticeable within just 24 hours, making the sleek appearance hard to maintain.

The Lexus GX, with its signature spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights, retained a design lineage that harked back to its earlier models. Unfortunately, this caused even the new 2022 model to appear somewhat dated. Interior-wise, Lexus equipped the GX with high-quality materials, echoing the brand's reputation for luxury and refinement. The cabin remained quiet, with only the V8 engine's distant roar penetrating the sophisticated silence. The GX’s trim levels—Standard, Premium, and Luxury—ranged from $56,700 to $66,210, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim starting at $60,535.

In comparison, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class aimed for a subtle yet luxurious aesthetic, particularly in its GLS 450 form, which contrasted sharply with the flashier Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, or Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes opted for a refined design, avoiding the gaudy grille styles seen in some competitors. Future models such as the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions promised more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome detailing, and distinctive exhaust tips.

Inside, the AMG model featured performance-oriented enhancements like stainless steel trim and Nappa leather seats, while the Maybach version boasted additional luxuries such as reclining rear seats. The GLS 450, though less lavish, still presented a proper luxury feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. Details like intricate speaker grilles and an upright dashboard nicely framing the integrated screens underscored the GLS’s luxurious yet rugged appeal.

Under the hood, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 was fitted with a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This setup, though not immensely powerful, provided ample torque for off-roading and towing, with a 6,500-pound towing capacity. The six-speed automatic transmission coupled with the full-time 4WD system offered a balanced 40/60 power split between the front and rear wheels. However, the GX’s boxy design, high drag coefficient of 0.35, and significant curb weight contributed to a modest fuel efficiency of 16 mpg combined. Despite being a tall and narrow SUV, the Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) made the GX feel stable and secure both on-road and off-road. Yet, its heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from driving smoothness.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 utilized a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, supplemented by an EQ Boost mild-hybrid system adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque briefly. This drivetrain, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, offered a smooth and powerful driving experience. The GLS could tow up to 7,700 pounds, although this did not match competitors such as the Lincoln Navigator with an 8,700-pound towing capacity. The GLS’s inline-six configuration ensured a smoother and more balanced operation compared to V6 engines, making it an ideal choice for luxury vehicles. While the air suspension provided a comfortable ride, it exhibited poor body control, resulting in excessive bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners.

Climbing into the Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position from its 10-way power-adjustable seat, providing excellent outward visibility. However, its compact dimensions—tall, narrow, and short—though beneficial for maneuverability, led to a feeling of crampedness. The GX's interior padding and switchgear were conducive to comfort, but a noticeable flaw was the accidental usage of off-roading knobs instead of the stereo controls due to their proximity.

The Black Line Special Edition’s interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, enhancing its luxurious feel. Entering the rear seats proved tricky due to narrow door openings, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample leg and foot space. The third-row seat, however, was difficult to access and cramped, making it undesirable for adults and even children. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 64.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a more spacious and versatile interior. Standard configurations included a seven-seat layout with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench and two third-row seats, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain’s chairs. The second-row seat could slide to increase legroom and ease access to the third row, bestowing the GLS with top-tier legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo capacity was more generous, with 17.4 cubic feet behind all seats, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 84.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

Mercedes thoughtfully designed the GLS for ease of loading, featuring one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, with the air suspension lowering to facilitate cargo handling. Nevertheless, there were minor ergonomic issues, such as the touchscreen’s distant reach and the slightly ineffective sun visors.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, marking a significant upgrade. Despite the retained presence of the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad, the new screen was user-friendly and easily accessible. Essentials like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation were standard, and while the inclusion of a CD player seemed outdated, the Lexus app and Enform connected services brought modernity to its tech offerings.

However, the placement of stereo controls below off-roading knobs on the center panel was less than ideal, complicating their use. The dual-screen display feature and excellent voice recognition technology were particular positives, making the system enjoyable to use overall. Additionally, the new safety technology, Intuitive Parking Assist, was standard, enhancing convenience and safety.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted the advanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM, among other features. The system offered various interaction options—a touchpad controller, steering wheel touchpads, the touchscreen, and natural-language voice recognition, which responded accurately to commands.

While we appreciated the voice recognition system, the touchpad was overly sensitive and cumbersome to use. The integration of screens was aesthetically pleasing, but the GLS didn’t incorporate the augmented-reality navigation feature from the S-Class sedan. The embedded navigation system’s unconventional routing also detracted from confidence in its reliability.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its older structural design, lacked crash-test ratings. However, it came equipped with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services enhanced safety. Nevertheless, the GX missed several modern safety technologies like lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and advanced semi-autonomous driving aids found in competitors. These omissions might either appeal to or deter potential buyers, depending on their preference for manual driving control versus automated aids.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the GLS with numerous standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, and Pre Safe systems. However, advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and several others were optional. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable during the review, leaving a gap in the verification of safety through crash testing.