2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was built for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and disappointment, with a notable amount of plastic material. Yet, it still offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a soft sensuality in its design, which, while bordering on boring, aged well. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured stunning 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and Twilight Blue paint. Inside, the GLS 450 showcased a new Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents. The GLS 450, the most affordable version, came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The test vehicle included the AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, Acoustic Comfort Package, 22-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and wood trim, bringing the MSRP to $97,730.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in noise and power as the accelerator was depressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GX's performance on paper was underwhelming compared to more modern engines like Toyota's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable but controllable roll through corners. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel drive system made it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, provided smooth and swift acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The mild-hybrid system added an instant 148 lb-ft of torque, making the GLS 450 lively from a stop. A nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system offered tailored driving dynamics through Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual modes. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and an official fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined. The driving experience was sublime, with the adaptive air suspension and massive Continental Premium Contact tires contributing to its athleticism. The brakes performed admirably, and the Off-Road menu in MBUX provided a transparent view of the terrain.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a space ahead of the shifter for a phone, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, offering only USB-A. The GX's physical controls, with hard buttons, were a blessing for those who preferred them over touchscreens. The center console lid's sliding mechanisms allowed for adjustable armrests. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat option. The third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open. 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 rows folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with the AMG Line package, had sportier styling that could be inconvenient when entering or exiting the SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with supple leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The new steering wheel was delightful to grip, though its touch-sensing controls could be irritating. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The no-charge optional captain's chairs offered excellent thigh support and expansive second-row legroom. Accessing the third row was a hassle, and space was snug for adults. Interior storage was decent, and cargo space was practical, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment technology, revamped in 2022, already looked dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with integrations like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as in competing models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Off-Road Package added further driving-focused technology.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The improved graphics included Classic, Sporty, and Discreet themes and Navigation, Assistance, and Service modes. However, touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console caused confusion and distraction. Despite this, MBUX was otherwise intuitive, with outstanding natural voice recognition and augmented reality for navigation. The standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology was impressive.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with over 20 significant safety features. The advanced driving assistance systems could be adjusted through MBUX, reducing irritation. The forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist systems were effective without being intrusive. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems handled various driving conditions smoothly. The GLS's ADAS technology was outstanding, with only a single instance of lane-centering assist turning off during the evaluation drive.