2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class exuded a soft sensuality characteristic of contemporary Mercedes designs, which, while bordering on plainness, promised enduring appeal. The test GLS 450 was enhanced with eye-catching 22-inch AMG rims, an elegant silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and an exquisite Twilight Blue paint. Although the trend leaned towards blacked-out aesthetics, the combination on this vehicle was undeniably striking.

Inside, the GLS 450 showcased the refined Bahia Brown over Black motif, complemented by natural-grain Grey Oak, maintaining a connection to the previous year's interior theme. The cabin, accentuated with polished aluminum details and intricate Mercedes craftsmanship, invited comfort and luxury. Leather upholstery, coupled with wood trim and artificial leather on the dashboard and door panels, added to the upscale feel.

The GLS 450, the entry-level model, was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology, delivering 375 horsepower. Various trim options offered more powerful twin-turbo V8 engines with MHEV. The test unit, inclusive of AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, and additional features like the Acoustic Comfort Package and 22-inch wheels, had an MSRP of $97,730.

The 2024 Lexus GX marked a significant design evolution from its predecessor. The new model embraced geometric styling, contrasting sharply with the former's rounded corners. The toned-down spindle grille, flanked by triple-beam LED headlights, stood proudly on a more vertical front fascia, giving the vehicle a robust, aggressive stance. The hood featured prominent humps over the front wheels, aiding off-road positional awareness.

The GX’s side profile was minimally adorned, with horizontal character lines contributing to a solid, sculpted look. The low window beltline aimed to enhance off-road visibility, while the powered running boards on the Luxury+ trim provided practical convenience.

The GX was available in six trims: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. The Luxury trims focused on sophistication with features like 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills, whereas Overtrail versions emphasized rugged capability with 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires.

The GX interior blended luxury and functionality, featuring standard heated and ventilated front seats. Enhanced with robust materials and a prominent, flat dashboard, the cabin was designed for both comfort and practical use. A 14-inch touchscreen and ample physical controls for critical off-road settings completed the high-tech, functional interior.

The straight-six engine in the GLS 450 delivered a smooth and seamless driving experience, offering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine configuration allowed for swift acceleration, reaching 60 mph in a respectable 5.8 seconds. The integrated starter-generator of the mild-hybrid system provided an additional 148 lb-ft of torque from a standstill, enhancing the SUV’s liveliness.

A nine-speed automatic transmission distributed power to all four wheels via the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Drive modes such as Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual allowed for tailored driving dynamics. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and achieved a combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg, though real-world evaluations showed 19.9 mpg.

The driving experience in the GLS 450 was characterized by its quiet and responsive nature, though Sport mode’s responsive throttle and steering could feel overly eager. Individual mode allowed drivers to balance comfort and control, optimizing the adaptive air suspension for better handling on winding roads. The large, gripping tires contributed to the vehicle’s impressive cornering ability, although they picked up road debris, causing some noise.

For off-roading, the GLS 450 was equipped with an Off-Road menu in the MBUX system and a GLS 580 model option that included the Off-Road Package, adding underbody protection and enhanced ground clearance and water fording capabilities.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from its predecessor’s V8 to a more advanced twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, generating 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This new engine configuration provided ample low-end torque, ideal for both on-road acceleration and off-road traversal.

Built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with other robust Toyota and Lexus models, the GX boasted a stiffer chassis, enhancing its stability under diverse driving conditions. The GX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission that operated smoothly, paired with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and a locking Torsen center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential for optimal power distribution in challenging terrains.

Off-road capabilities were further enhanced by the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) available on Overtrail trims, which adjusted stabilizer bars for increased wheel articulation and traction. The GX maintained excellent composure during acceleration and braking tests, performing well in favorable conditions and proving its weighty build didn’t impede its effectiveness.

While the off-road testing route was curtailed due to unfavorable terrain conditions, the GX demonstrated solid controlled behavior both on and off-road, pleasantly surprising given its body-on-frame construction and rugged capabilities.

The AMG Line package on the GLS-Class added sporty side sill trim, which could interfere with ease of entry and exit. Despite this, the leather-clad, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats provided an unparalleled level of comfort. The high seating position commanded an excellent view, complemented by a new, tactile steering wheel, although its touch-sensitive controls could be a source of irritation.

Rear-seat comfort was a priority with heated seats and a four-zone climate system included. Captain’s chairs were available, providing excellent thigh support and ample legroom, along with a panoramic sunroof adding a spacious feel. The third-row access was cumbersome, with limited space accommodating mainly children due to its less generous legroom.

Interior storage was adequate, with a small central armrest bin. Cargo space was practical, measuring 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The redesigned 2024 GX interior shifted toward minimalism and sophistication, reducing the number of physical buttons while retaining essential controls for climate and off-road functions. Passenger space proved generous, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 in the second row. However, the third row remained cramped, suitable only for children despite its 31.7 inches of legroom.

Compared to its competitor, the Land Rover Defender 110, the GX offered better front-row space but less satisfactory third-row accommodations. The GX, being longer, provided significant cargo capacity: 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 76.9 cubic feet overall. The Overtrail models, sans the third row, maximized total cargo space to 90.5 cubic feet, superior to the GLS-Class in terms of flexibility and overall capacity.

The GLS-Class was outfitted with Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in a seamless horizontal layout. MBUX enhancements for 2024 included refined graphics and multiple display themes but maintained intuitive operation. However, touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console could unintentionally change settings, causing occasional frustration.

Despite these issues, MBUX excelled with its user-friendly interface, natural voice recognition, and augmented reality navigation that provided clear, contextual information, exemplifying automotive technology expertise.

In the Lexus GX, a 14-inch touchscreen took center stage on the dashboard, paired with an extensive array of USB-C ports and a wireless phone charging pad. The Overtrail models featured additional rear USB-C ports and a 120-volt outlet in the trunk.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system supported Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect were available with free trial subscriptions, later transitioning to monthly fees. The Luxury and Overtrail+ trims offered an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system for an enhanced auditory experience.

While the infotainment system was user-friendly and visually appealing, subscription-based features post-trial were a potential long-term ownership consideration.

Safety was a key focus in the GLS-Class, equipped with over 20 advanced safety features. Customizable through the MBUX system, these features included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, all designed to be minimally intrusive while effectively aiding the driver.

During testing, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist managed various driving scenarios seamlessly, with exceptional technological execution enhancing driver confidence.

Safety improvements marked the 2024 GX, with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 encompassing advanced ADAS features like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist added intelligent braking for enhanced safety in adaptive cruise control scenarios.

Though not yet crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA, the GX’s modern architecture and comprehensive safety suite provided a reassuring level of safety for the new model.