2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims.

The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details similar to the Lexus IS sports sedan. The new model was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The interior design was minimalist, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. However, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the quality levels were generally high.

In base GLS 450 form, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS had a more subtle, less flashy look compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, or Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, opting for a more refined design. The AMG GLS 63 performance model featured flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, prominent rectangular exhaust tips, and AMG-specific 21-inch wheels. The Maybach version was adorned with chrome accents, a traditional hood ornament, power running boards, and massive 23-inch wheels.

The Maybach model offered added luxuries like reclining rear seats, while the AMG version had a performance-oriented interior with stainless steel trim and heavily bolstered Nappa leather seats. The GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were housed under one piece of glass, providing a sleek look. Overall, the GLS 450's interior felt appropriate for a luxury SUV, offering high quality without being overly fragile.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX, with two electrified versions available. The NX 350h offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an optional AWD.

Both the NX 250 and NX 350 offered Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, while the NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport trim 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, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX had a ground clearance of 7.7 inches, limiting its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The GLS also had standard air suspension, which could raise and lower the ride height, but the test car exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners.

Mercedes quoted a 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity for the GLS 450, which was competitive but not class-leading. The GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, all featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, were expected to resume production, with the AMG version producing up to 603 hp. All GLS models had standard 4Matic AWD, with a performance-tuned drivetrain for the AMG GLS 63.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt cozy from the driver’s seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for the front seats, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX had a panoramic glass sunroof extending over the back seat and a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system in the Luxury trim. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for access to the third row, and the standard bench seat could slide fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The GLS had one-touch power-folding second-row and third-row seats, a power tailgate, and an air suspension that could lower for easier loading and unloading. However, the touchscreen was too far away to reach easily, and the center console had grab handles with no obvious purpose.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display standard and a 14-inch screen optional. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. 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 speech, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with a head-up display optional. The voice recognition system, responding to “Hey Mercedes,” was the easiest to use, while the touchpad controller was too sensitive. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good-looking graphics, but the navigation system suggested a route that would have added an hour to a trip for no apparent reason.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of technologies, featuring Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had standard 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.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS had standard safety features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.