2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class had subtle yet impactful aesthetic modifications that refined its overall appearance. The headlights and taillights were sharper, and black fender flares were introduced over the wheel arches. The grille received stylish chrome inserts. The optional AMG Line package on the test model stood out with a distinctive grille, adding a sportier touch to the exterior. The GLE-Class came with standard 19-inch wheels, but buyers had the option to upgrade to 21-inch wheels, which further enhanced its road presence. For those seeking a more avant-garde design, the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe offered many similarities though with less interior space, available only in the sporty Mercedes-AMG version.

Inside, the GLE-Class maintained the luxurious look synonymous with Mercedes-Benz, though it lacked the futuristic aesthetics of the newer all-electric EQ models. The cabin was rich in leather and soft-touch surfaces. The available open-pore walnut trim added a touch of elegance but, when paired with Bahia Brown seating, made the interior reminiscent of a vintage wood-paneled room. To avoid this, a lighter color leather was preferable.

Conversely, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but carried enough prestige to be a convincing luxury SUV. Its design was more upscale and less aggressive compared to the Grand Highlander. Our test model, sporting the Luxury trim, boasted impressive 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, significantly contributing to the vehicle's overall presence.

The TX’s styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a more conservative, almost anonymous appearance. This could be appealing to those previously put off by Lexus’s bold designs. The new TX came in three versions: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, excluding the TX 550h+, which was anticipated to start above $75,000.

Our TX 350 tester, likely a popular choice among buyers, was equipped with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, FWD, and Luxury trim. With an array of optional packages, its total MSRP was $67,869. Inside, the Luxury trim included upgraded ambient lighting, premium semi-aniline leather upholstery, and artificial suede. However, the Peppercorn interior felt too dark, even with the panoramic sunroof, making the cabin less inviting.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered various engine options: the 255-horsepower entry-level GLE 350, the mid-level GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our test vehicle was the new 450e plug-in hybrid, equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine. In hybrid mode, it provided a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, outperforming its non-hybrid counterparts in power but with a slightly slower 0-60 mph time due to the added weight of its 23.3-kWh battery. The 450e promised an all-electric range of 48 miles but pleasantly surprised us with 55 miles after charging.

The 450e seamlessly switched between electric and gasoline power, though it defaulted to all-electric mode as long as battery power was available. However, setting preferences like brake regeneration levels had to be done at every start-up. Despite having a Sport mode, the driving dynamics felt underwhelming, characterized by light steering and noticeable body roll, making it less engaging compared to rivals like the BMW X5 xDrive50e. The 450e excelled in comfort, making it suitable for everyday commuting. It could be fully charged in under three hours using an 11-kW onboard charger and supported a 60-kW DC fast charge for quick recharging on trips.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX 350 housed a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It was adequate for typical driving scenarios, though the engine’s note and occasional torque steer in FWD mode were grating. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD). The TX 350's fuel economy rating was 23 mpg combined, though our testing revealed an average of 20.4 mpg. The AWD variant, an option at $1,600, improved traction and slightly bettered acceleration but also reduced city and highway fuel economy.

The TX 350 provided a balanced ride with a firm yet comfortable suspension, effective body motion control, and precise steering. The ride was quiet, especially on highways, though an early-build pre-production vehicle had a brake pedal with a soft feel that required careful modulation.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e might have lagged in driving excitement, but its interior luxuries were notable. Standard heated front seats could be upgraded to include ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders kept beverages at the ideal temperature. The customizable ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors contributed to a serene cabin experience, even at high speeds. The Burmester stereo system enhanced the in-car entertainment. However, the fixed sun visors were a notable shortcoming in an otherwise well-appointed vehicle.

Practically, the GLE-Class offered a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and was equipped with Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology to facilitate easier trailer handling. It provided 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

In comparison, previous Lexus attempts at a three-row SUV had shortcomings, but the 2024 TX addressed these issues effectively. Our TX 350 Luxury model featured high-end materials like premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Front seats included heating and ventilation but lacked a massage function. The power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel and adjustable driver’s seat contributed to a comfortable driving position. The second-row bench seat, while strategically utilitarian with triple-zone climate control and dual USB ports, offered less comfort due to a relatively flat lower cushion.

The third-row seat of the TX was a significant improvement over past models, providing adequate comfort for adults, although moving the second-row seat detracted from its legroom. Cargo space was generous, offering 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandably to 57.4 cubic feet with third-row seats folded, and up to an impressive 97 cubic feet with both second and third rows down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class was equipped with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system, though the 12.3-inch touchscreen was smaller compared to other Mercedes models like the EQS or S-Class. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with options to control it through a touchpad on the center console, voice command via "Hey, Mercedes," or through touchpads on the steering wheel, albeit the latter being somewhat tricky to use.

A standout feature was the augmented reality navigation, overlaying turn instructions and addresses over a video feed on the display. The off-road page provided valuable information for adventure enthusiasts, including altitude, steering angle, and tire pressure. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present but had connectivity issues during testing. However, several USB-C ports ensured devices stayed charged.

For the 2024 Lexus TX, the Technology Package added a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, these enhancements came at a usability cost, replacing clearly marked steering controls with confusing, unmarked ones reliant on the head-up display, which polarized sunglasses could obscure.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen and three-year Drive Connect subscription, offered cloud-based navigation and an impressive voice recognition assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked seamlessly, and free subscriptions to Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect enhanced the vehicle’s tech appeal. A notable addition was the 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system, providing high-quality audio.

Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for advanced safety was evident in the GLE-Class, equipped with numerous driving aids. Standard blind-spot monitoring could be upgraded to active monitoring with steering intervention, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist through the Driver Assistance Package Plus, which added nearly $2,000 to the cost. While NHTSA had not rated the 2024 GLE-Class for overall or frontal crashes, it earned five stars for side crash and four stars for rollover. The IIHS awarded it top ratings in crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and mitigation.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) banner. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road sign assist, among others. Proactive Drive Assist could add steering and braking assistance but was prone to causing unnecessary slowdowns, leading to its deactivation during our testing. The TX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with optional parking sensors and traffic jam assist for low-speed hands-free driving on approved highways. While effective, the system could be too cautious when other vehicles cut into its driving space.