2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor updates. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of choices, including 10 interior color options and five trims, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

The 2023 Lexus RX, shorter in height but broader in width and longer in wheelbase, offered more cargo space than its predecessor. The exterior design featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design. The RX's interior was thoroughly modern, with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a touchscreen display. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport Handling trim had sportier black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S models available. Engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric mode operated at speeds up to 87 mph, and the transition between gas and electric power was seamless. The suspension absorbed bumps effortlessly, and the GLE felt maneuverable despite its size.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven pavement, while the RX 350 F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive damping suspension. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, and the AWD version did so in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows. The cabin felt light and airy, with excellent outward visibility. The GLE offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport Handling trim had sportier seats and trim. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered useful storage areas and improved cargo space over the previous generation. The trunk measured 29.6 cubic feet with the second row in position and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect, free for three years, included Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant natural voice recognition. The system allowed user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, though it required some adjustment for optimal sound. The RX also offered a color head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key smartphone technology.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and a curve speed-reduction function. New semi-autonomous driving technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. LSS+ 3.0 proved impressive but had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and issues with the HUD when wearing polarized sunglasses.