2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class showed subtle yet impactful aesthetic updates. Despite being hard to notice at first glance, its sharper headlights and taillights, and the black fender flares over the wheel arches made a clear difference. The grille featured new chrome inserts that added a touch of elegance. Our test model, equipped with the optional AMG Line package, sported a distinct grille contributing to a more athletic exterior. The standard 19-inch wheels could be swapped for optional 21-inch variants, further enhancing its stance.

For enthusiasts wanting an even more striking look, the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe, available exclusively in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, offered these features albeit with slightly reduced interior space. Inside, the cabin exuded typical Mercedes-Benz luxury, though it wasn't as futuristic as their all-electric EQ vehicles. There was ample leather and plush surfaces throughout. However, the open-pore walnut trim paired with Bahia Brown seats in our tester evoked a somewhat outdated '70s wood-paneled rec room vibe. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this look.

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a clear design evolution from its predecessor, the GX 470. Embracing a geometric aesthetic, the new midsize SUV featured more angular edges from headlight to taillight. The spindle grille, a Lexus trademark, remained but was less dominant in this generation. The triple-beam LED headlights added a sophisticated touch and framed the new front fascia, which appeared more vertical and aggressive compared to the curvier second-generation GX.

The profile of the GX suggested it had been chiseled from a single block of metal, characterized by minimal character lines that maintained a horizontal trajectory. A low window beltline improved visibility, especially useful for off-road escapades. Standard running boards and optional powered units in the Luxury+ trim rounded out the exterior enhancements. The GX came in six trims, including the luxurious Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and the off-road-centric Overtrail and Overtrail+.

Interior-wise, luxury models flaunted 22-inch wheels, illuminated door sills, and ambient lighting, while Overtrail trims were geared for rugged adventures with 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires. The eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery in Overtrail trims added durability. Despite its off-road capabilities, the third-generation GX managed to blend rugged materials with luxurious appointments like heated and ventilated front seats. The flat and upright dashboard complemented a 14-inch touchscreen, which was accompanied by physical controls for off-roading settings and climate adjustments.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered buyers a range of powertrains. The entry-level GLE 350 produced 255 horsepower, while the mid-range GLE 450 harnessed a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. At the top of the hierarchy, the GLE 580 boasted a robust 4.0-liter V8 engine. All these variants came paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our test model was the 450e plug-in hybrid, combining a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver an impressive total of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. This setup provided more oomph compared to the GLE 350 and GLE 450. However, the additional 23.3-kWh battery weight rendered the 450e slightly slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450.

Mercedes claimed a 48-mile all-electric range for the 450e, but our full charge unexpectedly displayed 55 miles. At startup, the vehicle defaulted to all-electric mode if the battery was charged but could easily switch to Hybrid or Battery Hold mode. Brake regeneration settings needed to be adjusted each time. When battery power was depleted, the transition to the gas engine was remarkably smooth and almost undetectable. Despite a Sport mode, the 450e didn’t offer exhilarating driving dynamics, feeling more comfortable than sporty. The car featured an 11-kW onboard charger capable of charging to full in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger and even supported a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2024 Lexus GX replaced its previous naturally aspirated V8 with a newer twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered more power and delivered impressive torque at low revs, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The GX employed the stiff GA-F truck platform, shared with models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX, providing a stable chassis for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 10-speed automatic transmission, shared with the Toyota Tundra but calibrated differently for the GX, shifted assertively without gear hunting. Standard full-time 4WD and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential equipped every GX, enhancing its versatility on various terrains. Overtrail trims came with a locking rear differential and Lexus’s advanced Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which balanced off-road and on-road stability. Despite its robust off-road credentials, the GX handled well on the road, maintaining composure through curves and showing limited body roll.

During testing, the GX performed well in acceleration and braking, though we didn’t challenge the brakes in severe conditions. The GX’s heavy weight was evident, but it handled adequately on various terrains. Heavy rainfall precluded rigorous off-road testing, but the GX demonstrated substantial potential with its durable construction and multiple traction management modes.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled in interior luxuries. Alongside standard heated front seats, our tester featured ventilated front seats with a massage function. The vehicle also came with heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Soft-close doors contributed to a serene cabin experience, further enhanced by the high-quality Burmester audio system. However, one oversight was the non-extending sun visors, vexing for an SUV at this price point.

The GLE-Class could tow up to 7,700 pounds and included the Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology, simplifying trailer handling and reversing. Cargo capacity was also strong, offering 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX’s interior posed a stark contrast to its predecessor, embracing a minimalistic yet sophisticated design. The 2024 model significantly reduced physical buttons but retained crucial controls, such as rotary knobs for climate control and buttons for off-road features. The cabin provided ample space for adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was better suited for children due to its tight 31.7 inches of legroom.

The GX’s interior cargo capacity excelled with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more space with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a total of 90.5 cubic feet, as they did not include a third row.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system, though it lacked the larger screens found in other Mercedes models. The 12.3-inch central screen was functional, and the menu structure was intuitive. A touchpad on the center console provided an alternative to touching the screen directly, and voice commands via “Hey, Mercedes” allowed for hands-free control. The available augmented reality navigation system overlaid helpful information on the screen, making navigation clearer.

Though the system included off-road features displaying extensive vehicle data, our testing of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto revealed frequent disconnections, hindering usability. However, numerous USB-C ports provided ample charging capacity for devices.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a prominently placed 14-inch touchscreen, joined by USB-C ports and an optional wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. Overtrail models added additional USB-C ports for the rear seats, and every GX had a 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface infotainment system supported Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside Drive Connect and Remote Connect subscription services, free for three years initially.

The GX’s standard 10-speaker audio system could be upgraded to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson system in the Luxury+ trim. The Lexus Interface was user-friendly and visually appealing, but the eventual subscription costs for certain features might concern long-term vehicle owners.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled in advanced driver aids, though many features were not standard. Blind-spot monitoring came standard, but the Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist for an additional $2,000. These features performed reliably, with adaptive cruise control standing out.

The GLE received mixed ratings from safety organizations. It earned a five-star side crash rating and four stars for rollover from the NHTSA, though not yet rated overall. The IIHS awarded top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and seat belts and child restraints, with an “Acceptable” headlight rating for models with Digital Light.

The 2024 Lexus GX showcased substantial improvements in safety. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 now standard included pre-collision detection, braking systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and road-sign recognition. Proactive driving assist enhanced safety during adaptive cruise control use.

No crash test ratings from IIHS or NHTSA were available for the new GX yet. However, the vehicle’s shift to modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS offered encouraging safety enhancements.