2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, with its redesigned models, was a blend of subtlety and performance. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, in its Iridium silver finish, was nearly indistinguishable from the standard RX 350, save for the badge on the liftgate. It featured 21-inch wheels that matched the standard model, maintaining a sleek, understated appearance. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, signaling its performance-oriented nature. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not considered stunning, with a front-heavy look and a rear that appeared visually shortened. Inside, the RX embraced a minimalist design with fewer controls and an improved infotainment system, offering a modern touch. The RX 350h Luxury's interior boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuding luxury, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a darker, sportier cabin with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered subtle aesthetic changes, with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares, and chrome grille inserts. The AMG Line package added a sporty flair with a distinct grille and optional 21-inch wheels. The GLE coupe, available in the sporty AMG guise, provided a sleek alternative with reduced interior space. Inside, the GLE maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though not as futuristic as the EQ models. The open-pore walnut trim was visually appealing, but paired with Bahia Brown seating, it evoked a retro vibe. The GLE's interior was luxurious, with heated and ventilated seats, massage functions, and heated and cooled cup holders, ensuring comfort on any journey.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It promised efficiency, with an expected 36 mpg in combined driving, though it was less powerful than its predecessor. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, enhancing its athleticism. However, its fuel economy was lower, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 32 mpg, offering a quieter, more efficient drive with a lower center of gravity and improved handling.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided various powertrain options, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, and GLE 580. The new 450e plug-in hybrid, with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, produced 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric range of 48 miles, with a smooth transition between electric and gas modes. The GLE 450e's Sport mode was less dynamic, with light steering and body roll, making it more suited for comfortable commutes. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge, ensuring quick recharging on road trips.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, with the RX 350h Luxury offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support but limited rear headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritized interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof added to the comfort. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist for easier trailer handling. It offered 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing ample storage for various needs.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring a subscription for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had limitations in accuracy. The system's touchscreen allowed only one menu view at a time, and reflections were an issue. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than other Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control. The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays, and the off-road page offered detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though connectivity issues were noted.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist maintained safe distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. However, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park systems were available but untested.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring standard and additional features available in the Driver Assistance Package Plus. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance. The Digital Light package earned an "Acceptable" headlight rating.