2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Standing at an overall height of 74.2 inches, it had a formidable presence on the road. The front end, with its large headlights, gave the GX a distinctive and aggressive look. The Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, added exclusivity with its unique paint options, including the new Eminent White Pearl and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards functionality, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, making it appear ready for off-road adventures. Inside, the GX was a mix of luxury and practicality, with heated and cooled seats and impressive leather upholstery, though the presence of plastic materials was a letdown for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE had subtle aesthetic changes that made a significant impact. The sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares, gave it a modern look. The AMG Line package added a sporty touch with a distinct grille and optional 21-inch wheels. Inside, the GLE exuded luxury with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though it lacked the futuristic feel of Mercedes' newer electric models. The open-pore walnut trim was a highlight, but the Bahia Brown seating gave the cabin a dated appearance. Despite this, the GLE offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with features like heated and cooled cup holders and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. However, its performance was hampered by a 6,500-pound towing capacity and poor fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to body roll in corners, but its predictable handling and strong brakes made it manageable. The Torsen limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it suitable for challenging terrains.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the new 450e plug-in hybrid, which combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the 450e was slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to the weight of its 23.3-kWh battery. The plug-in hybrid could travel up to 55 miles on electric power alone and featured a smooth transition between electric and gas modes. While the GLE's Sport mode didn't significantly enhance driving dynamics, it provided a comfortable commute. The 450e's 11-kW onboard charger allowed for quick charging, and it could also accept a 60-kW DC fast charge for convenience on road trips.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep center console bin. The decision to use hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces was a welcome choice for those who preferred physical controls. The second row provided comfort with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. The cabin was quiet, and features like customizable ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof added to the comfort. The GLE's cargo space was generous, offering 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. The GLE also boasted a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and included Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology for easier trailer handling.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While an improvement over the previous system, it felt outdated compared to other Lexus models. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player, but its infotainment technology lagged behind competitors. However, the GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved handling on rough terrain.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system. While not as large as screens in other Mercedes models, it offered a user-friendly menu structure and voice control. The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, providing helpful overlays for navigation. The GLE also included an off-road page with detailed information for enthusiasts. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto had connectivity issues during testing.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were commendable.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star side crash rating and a "Good" score in crashworthiness.