2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe had a design that was either becoming more accepted or simply less offensive. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave it a decent appearance, though it often reminded onlookers of an athletic sneaker from a front three-quarter view. Mercedes had discontinued many of its V8-powered models for 2022, including the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, which had boasted 603 horsepower. The remaining AMG GLE 53 Coupe started at $77,800, with our test vehicle's price exceeding $100,000 due to numerous options.

Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe was luxurious, featuring high-end materials and a dual-screen setup for instrumentation and infotainment. The test vehicle included Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner and steering wheel, and brushed aluminum trim. Ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. However, the interior's complexity was masked by a facade of simplicity, making it initially challenging for newcomers to operate the vehicle's technology. Over time, drivers acclimated and found ways to use the AMG GLE 53 Coupe with minimal distraction.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its large spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by massive headlights. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl.

From the side, the GX's dimensions seemed more compact, with a 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The flared fenders added to its robust look, but the overall design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs. The hood's design made the GX easier to maneuver in technical driving situations. Inside, the GX had a disappointing amount of plastic, which detracted from its luxury badge. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, but our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg.

The AMG GLE 53 Coupe also had a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the engine breathed through an AMG sport exhaust system. Performance upgrades included an AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes. The speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made urban driving and parking easier, though the optional AMG Performance braking system was challenging to modulate for smooth stops.

The AMG Active Ride Control suspension handled speed humps well but was less forgiving on rougher surfaces. Overall, the GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed in various driving conditions, with a reserve of performance available. In Sport+ mode, the SUV excelled on challenging roads, with impressive grip and braking performance. However, its size and weight were liabilities on tight roads, and the loud exhaust note in Sport+ mode could be toned down.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which produced a linear rise in noise and power as the accelerator was depressed. The 4.6-liter V8 delivered 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not impressive on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying driving experience for some. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in performance and fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The GX's weight affected its handling, causing it to roll through corners, though the roll felt predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and predictable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed power in a 40:60 front:rear split, adjusting based on wheel slip. This made the GX user-friendly in various driving conditions. Despite its age, Lexus continued to improve the GX's driving dynamics, making it a manageable and capable SUV.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe could technically seat up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four, especially if the rear passengers were adults. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage, making them comfortable for long drives and supportive during spirited driving. Forward visibility was good, but rear visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras.

The back seat provided ample legroom for adults, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Comfort upgrades included heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Lexus GX had plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, having only USB-A ports. The door pockets were also small for larger water bottles. Lexus retained hard buttons for controls, which was a blessing for those who preferred physical buttons over touchscreens.

The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row was too tight for regular use, suitable only for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also standard.

MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology that worked well. However, the touchpad on the center console was easy to activate inadvertently. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped for 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. Three years of Lexus Enform Remote came included, and the test vehicle had a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo and a CD player.

However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as those in competing models. The GX's off-road capability was more impressive, with a real 4WD system, a two-speed transfer case, low range, and a locking center differential. Additional off-road features included downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It also had Pre Safe Sound, which emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing, and an Emergency Call Service accessible via an SOS button.

The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The lane-keeping assistance technology was effective and unobtrusive. The route-based speed adaption function for adaptive cruise control was a source of irritation. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite its age, the GX included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features, its safety technology was significantly newer than its body.