2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Lexus TX

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 Coupes anticipated for the 2024 model year. The changes in the GLC 300 were subtle, with the most noticeable being the narrower taillights. Despite being an all-new car, it retained much of the first-generation GLC's design, which had been a leader in the small luxury SUV class since 2016. The GLC's styling was classy and substantive, avoiding novelty and ensuring its design remained timeless. However, some felt it could have benefited from a bit more personality to distinguish it from its predecessor.

Inside, the GLC received a significant makeover, aligning with newer Mercedes models. A large vertical infotainment touchscreen dominated the dashboard, complemented by a tablet-like instrument panel for the driver. The interior was modern and high-tech, maintaining excellent materials quality and solid construction. Compared to competitors like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus RX, the GLC's cockpit design was simpler and cleaner. The returning GLC Coupe models retained their exterior similarity, with a coupe-like roofline that set them apart from the traditional GLC 300. The first-generation interior of the Coupe aged well, offering some usability advantages over its newer sibling. Overall, the GLC-Class continued to exude traditional luxury while competitors leaned more into sport and technology.

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The Lexus TX had a more upscale appearance, especially in the Luxury trim with its striking 22-inch wheels. The styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs off-putting. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. Our test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950 and included various packages and features, bringing the MSRP to $67,869.

The TX 350 Luxury model's interior was luxurious, with premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and artificial suede trim. The Peppercorn interior, a dark brown shade, felt too dark even with the panoramic glass sunroof. Despite this, the interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge. The TX 350's performance was adequate, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds, feeling quicker due to the torque swell. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, and the brake pedal, though soft, was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was limited to the GLC 300 trim level in its first year, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Together, they produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive were standard, with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive available. Acceleration was smooth, akin to an electric vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, average for the class. The GLC 300 provided ample power for highway merging and passing, though it wasn't as lively as the BMW X3's powertrain. The brake pedal was a bit soft, but effective, and the suspension favored comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smooth ride with a nearly silent cabin.

The returning GLC 4Matic Coupe continued with its older four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, increasing output to 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. Its sport-tuned suspension and exhaust provided a firmer ride and louder engine, appealing to sport-minded drivers.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), feeling quicker due to the torque swell. The performance was adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in combined driving for the FWD model. During testing, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, and the brake pedal, though soft, was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC's front seats offered ample adjustment for long-distance comfort, with synthetic leather upholstery convincingly grained to resemble genuine hides. Real leather options provided smoother surfaces. The interior featured a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. There were well-sized door pockets and another bin under the center armrest. The front offered plenty of space for taller passengers, while the rear seats accommodated average adults, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC had 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, smaller than rivals but adequate for most shoppers. The rear seats folded flat for larger items, and a panoramic sunroof was optional on all GLC 300 trims. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 17.6 cubic feet and rear headroom by 1.3 inches.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat was comfortable, though lacking a massage function. The second-row seat, with triple-zone automatic climate control and dual USB charging ports, met segment expectations. The TX provided a habitable third-row seat for adults, with stadium-style seating and large side windows. Sliding the second-row seat forward improved third-row comfort but reduced second-row legroom. The TX offered numerous storage slots, though many lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, with 57.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 97 cubic feet with the second-row seats down, surpassing most competitors.

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 previous generation had a smaller screen mounted on top of the dash, with a trackpad on the center console for easier control. The new GLC retained a tiny capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, but its sensitivity made it difficult to use. The MBUX infotainment system had excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted music or podcasts. The new system performed better but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the package replaced properly marked steering wheel controls with an unmarked dual-purpose set, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, especially with the complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy connectivity and switching between systems. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with features like automatic collision notification and emergency calling. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive fidelity.

Crash-test results for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 were not yet available, but based on Mercedes' history, strong scores were expected. The previous GLC received a five-star rating from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features for the new GLC 300 included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. Other options included a surround-view camera system and upgraded headlights. The Coupe came standard with cross-traffic alerts and the surround-view camera, with an identical Driver Assistance package to the new GLC. Both new and old systems had rare false alarms, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth and trustworthy.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) umbrella. These included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered proactive braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't transparent and was eventually turned off. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Options included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving on approved highways at low speeds, working well during brief activation. LSS+ 3.0 was smooth, accurate, and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other motorists cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.