2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class showcased a blend of subdued elegance and timeless design that seemed to mature gracefully over time. The GLS 450 test vehicle was particularly striking, with its eye-catching bright-finish 22-inch AMG rims, a sophisticated new silver four-louver grille, polished metal exterior accents, and an exquisite Twilight Blue paint job. Though the trend leaned towards blacked-out aesthetics, this setup offered a refreshing counter-cultural alternative.

Inside, the GLS 450 featured a new Bahia Brown over Black color scheme paired with natural-grain Grey Oak trim, carried over from the previous year. The interior felt luxurious with polished aluminum accents, contrast stitching, and the rich detailing Mercedes is known for. Leather upholstery and artificial leather covered the dashboard and door panels, showcasing impeccable craftsmanship. The AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages, plus the Acoustic Comfort Package, enhanced the experience further, making the GLS 450 a $97,730 masterpiece.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, built on the Toyota Grand Highlander platform, successfully established itself as a luxury SUV. Our test model with Luxury trim sported 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. Unlike previous Lexus designs, the TX adopted a more conservative styling, which some might find appealing.

Inside, the TX 350 Luxury trim featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede, heated and ventilated front seats, and an optional second-row bench seat. However, the dark Peppercorn interior in our test model appeared overly shadowed, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. Despite this, the cabin met luxury expectations with an MSRP of $67,869.

The GLS 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine featuring mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology, produced 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This provided seamless acceleration and a lively feel, thanks to an instant 148 lb-ft of torque delivered by the integrated starter-generator. The SUV could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, boasting a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg. During testing, it averaged 19.9 mpg.

Driving the GLS 450 offered a sublime experience, with adaptive air suspension that defied the laws of physics on twisty roads. However, Sport mode sometimes made the steering feel too heavy. Using the Individual mode provided a perfect balance, maintaining comfort while improving body motion control. Massive Continental Premium Contact tires ensured excellent grip, although they picked up road grit, causing some rustling. The brakes were commendable, allowing smooth stops in city driving. For off-road enthusiasts, the Off-Road menu within MBUX and the Off-Road Package in the GLS 580 enhanced capability.

In comparison, the Lexus TX 350 packed a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds, though it felt quicker thanks to the torque swell. With FWD, it had a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, but during testing, it averaged only 20.4 mpg. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered slightly better acceleration and improved traction.

The TX 350 provided a comfortable ride with a firm yet compliant suspension, accurate steering, and a quiet interior. However, the brake pedal in our early-build pre-production vehicle felt too soft, though modulation was easy, ensuring smooth stops.

The GLS-Class, when equipped with the AMG Line package, featured side sill trim that often got in the way during entry and exit, potentially dirtying one's clothes. The front seats were immensely comfortable with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and the commanding driving position offered excellent visibility. Heated rear seats and expansive second-row legroom enhanced passenger comfort. However, accessing the third-row seat could be cumbersome, and adult passengers found it snug.

Interior storage in the GLS was decent, though the front center armrest bin was small. Cargo capacity was practical, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The Lexus TX, resolving previous Lexus three-row SUV shortcomings, offered a more habitable third-row seat. Adults could fit comfortably, especially if the second-row seat was slid forward. The third-row bottom cushion sat high enough above the floor to provide leg support, and large side windows enhanced the sense of space.

Interior storage in the TX 350 included numerous slots and bins, though some lacked linings. The split front center armrest design was well-intentioned but not very practical. Cargo space was impressive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and up to 97 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down, surpassing most competitors and all other Lexus SUVs.

The 2024 GLS came equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for digital instrumentation and the infotainment touchscreen. The system had improved graphics and was fast, easy, and intuitive to use, except for touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and the center console touchpad, which often caused unwanted changes.

Otherwise, MBUX was exemplary, with an intuitive touchscreen interface, outstanding natural voice recognition, and helpful augmented reality for navigation. The standard Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos enhanced the audio experience.

The Lexus TX featured a Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. While these features were impressive, the unmarked dual-purpose steering wheel controls proved distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses making the head-up display frequently invisible.

Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription enhanced functionality with a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. Additional free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect added further value. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2024 GLS-Class came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The ability to adjust these systems via MBUX ensured they were less irritating, and our experience with the GLS's ADAS was highly positive. The forward-collision warning system was effective without being intrusive, lane-departure warning issued a distinctive haptic thud, and lane-keeping assist operated seamlessly. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist smoothly handled curves and bends without causing driver aggravation.

The 2024 Lexus TX also offered extensive ADAS under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) umbrella. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, worked smoothly but wasn't completely transparent. In addition, traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was effective, but the TX's response to motorists cutting into traffic gaps was too dramatic, causing driver frustration.