2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, particularly the AMG GLE 53 variant, presented a design that was neither offensive nor groundbreaking. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a sleek appearance, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker from certain angles. Despite the absence of the more powerful AMG GLE 63 S Coupe due to Mercedes shelving many V8 models, the GLE 53 Coupe still offered a luxurious interior. It featured high-end materials like Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, complemented by brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a high-tech feel, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimation.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the year, offered a more spacious and refined interior. Available in four model series, the NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims stood out with its distinctive spindle grille and block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The F Sport trim featured sport-bolstered seats and a unique mesh-pattern grille, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim. The interior design leaned towards minimalism, with most functions integrated into a large touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate initially. However, the NX maintained physical controls for essential functions, ensuring ease of use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. It featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing both power and fuel efficiency. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, though real-world testing showed 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe came with a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes like Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further enhanced its performance capabilities. In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive steering and tight turning radius made maneuvering easy, though the AMG Performance brakes required careful modulation.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ PHEV with 302 horsepower. 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 AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding roads, the F Sport felt agile, while the Luxury trim provided a more relaxed driving experience. 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. Despite improvements, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals, and road noise was more pronounced than expected.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe technically accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo area offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Lexus NX, while claiming increased interior space, felt more intimate from the driver's seat due to its new dashboard design. The NX offered comfortable seating, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed spacious accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." Optional features included gesture recognition and augmented video for navigation.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring a 9.8-inch touchscreen display, with a 14-inch screen as an option. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant responded to natural commands, and the system supported multiple connected service plans. However, the large touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" before a collision to protect hearing. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. Standard features included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection and an adaptive front lighting system. A Vision Package offered additional safety technologies.