2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a modernized exterior with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. Despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model, it appeared smaller due to design changes like reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, ensuring the RX was recognizable yet fresh compared to its predecessor. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. High-quality materials were evident, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede. The RX 350 was available in various trims, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE subtly updated its aesthetics with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The AMG Line package added sportiness, and wheel options ranged from 19 to 21 inches. The GLE coupe, available in AMG guise, offered a sportier look with reduced interior space. Inside, the GLE maintained a luxurious feel with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though not as futuristic as Mercedes' electric models. The open-pore walnut trim was a highlight, though paired with Bahia Brown seating, it evoked a retro vibe. The GLE's interior was well-equipped with features like heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof, though the non-extending sun visors were a minor drawback.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque and better high-altitude performance than the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 Luxury trim occasionally exhibited torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure ride. Both trims had 21-inch wheels and offered a satisfying acceleration experience, with the RX 350 AWD reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 24 mpg for the AWD model, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the 450e was slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its heavier battery. The plug-in hybrid could travel up to 55 miles on electric power and offered smooth transitions between electric and gas modes. While the GLE 450e prioritized comfort over sporty dynamics, it featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge, making it convenient for road trips.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sportier bolsters. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The F Sport Handling trim had simulated leather seats and a sportier cabin feel. Both models provided ample rear seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. Cargo space was improved, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, offering heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with heated and cooled cup holders. The cabin was quiet, with ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the experience. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist. Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.9 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. The system allowed user profiles and music streaming, though it lacked the ability to display multiple data panels simultaneously. The RX also offered a premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional head-up display.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than some other Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with a touchpad and voice control options. The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, providing helpful visual cues. The GLE included off-road information and a transparent hood feature, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto had connectivity issues.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance features like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While the system was generally impressive, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less effective.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring standard and additional features available in the Driver Assistance Package Plus. The GLE received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though some features required additional cost.