2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class presented a blend of the familiar and the new. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, the Coupe models carried over from the previous year, with new versions expected in the 2024 model year. The changes in the GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights. Despite these updates, the GLC maintained its classic and timeless design, which had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run. The interior saw a more significant transformation, aligning with newer Mercedes models, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The materials and construction remained top-notch, offering a simpler and cleaner cockpit design compared to competitors like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, on the other hand, underwent a redesign that was showcased during a test drive in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions were the focus, with the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid set to arrive later in 2023. Visually, the RX 350h was nearly indistinguishable from the standard RX 350, save for the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its performance-tuned design, featuring a blacked-out grille, matte-black wheels, and aggressive styling. The RX's design remained somewhat blunt-nosed, with a visual imbalance due to the wheelbase stretch. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, minimalistic appearance with contemporary textures and detailing, and featured backlit ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was limited to the GLC 300 trim, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 300 accelerated smoothly, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which was average for its class. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, matching the GLC 300's performance, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more efficient powertrain with the RX 350h, which was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving. It produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid system based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, accelerating to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid system with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It included an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control for a more engaging driving experience. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 32 mpg, offering a quieter cabin and better gas mileage.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and firm cushioning. The synthetic leather upholstery was convincingly grained, with real leather available for a smoother feel. The GLC provided sufficient storage space, including a large center console bin, cupholders, and door pockets. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, though headroom was slightly limited for taller passengers. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals, but still adequate. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and lowered rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, with the RX 350h Luxury trim offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support and good legroom, though rear headroom was tight. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system included a capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, which was sensitive and challenging to use. The system boasted excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring a subscription for connected services after the trial period. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system worked reasonably well, though it had some limitations, such as displaying only one screen menu at a time and suffering from reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received top scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, maintaining safe distances and recharging the battery through regenerative braking. The system had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction tech. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.