2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e we tested, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The wheels, though a $1,100 option, filled out the wheel wells nicely. Mercedes offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors in total.

Inside, the GLE 450e exuded class and luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. These interior options added $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the sticker price, but were considered money well spent. Mercedes provided ten interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum, black piano lacquer, gray oak, and brown linden wood. The cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance, was redesigned and tested in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, finished in Iridium (silver) with 21-inch wheels, looked identical to the standard RX 350, lacking any hybrid-specific badges. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive bumper designs. The RX models, though popular, were not considered gorgeous, with a blunt-nosed design and a wheelbase stretch that reduced rear overhang, making the new 2023 RX look smaller despite being about the same size as the outgoing model.

Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance with fewer switches and an improved Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had an all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX 500h could also be equipped with Rioja Red upholstery for a splash of contrast and color. Lexus had not announced prices for the new 2023 RX models, but estimates suggested the RX 350h Luxury would be just over $60,000, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance would be close to $70,000.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engine options 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, developed a combined output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The suspension was supple, and the cabin remained quiet even in hybrid mode. The GLE's sophisticated steering made it maneuverable despite its size, and the AMG models offered even quicker reflexes.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new powertrain for the RX 350h, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with an expected average of 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 350h accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and Direct4 AWD system, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds but with a lower fuel economy of 27 mpg. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, making it more fun to drive. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, and the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of estimates, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 32 mpg and felt more secure in curves, with a quiet cabin and good gas mileage.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding 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. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h Luxury, offered ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard leather. The hybrids' battery packs were placed under the back seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, an improvement over the old model but still less than some rivals.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, 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 control on the steering wheel could inadvertently increase the music volume while maneuvering.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, which required activation of connected services plans after the complimentary trial subscriptions expired. The system included Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The touchscreen could display only one menu at a time, and the screen suffered from reflections. The head-up display, available with the system, had dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which were unmarked and could be distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses.

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. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) with new motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, which slowed the RX when the accelerator was released, was also included. The front cross-traffic alert system provided visual indicators on the HUD, but these were not visible with polarized sunglasses. The curve-speed reduction tech was reactive, and the driver monitoring system could be blocked by a driver's arm. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.