Compare the2022 Mercedes GLBVS 2021 Lexus NX Series

For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes GLB have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Lexus NX Series doesn’t offer pretensioners for the middle seat belts.

Both the GLB and the NX Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 57 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GLB’s warranty.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the GLB has a standard 800-amp battery. The NX Series’ 580-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

The GLB’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 27 more horsepower (221 vs. 194) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 199) than the NX 300h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Mercedes GLB is faster than the Lexus NX Series:

On the EPA test cycle the GLB gets better mileage than the NX Series:

Both the GLB and the NX Series 300h have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All GLBs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The GLB has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX Series Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (15.9 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Mercedes GLB, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the NX Series.

The GLB offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The NX Series doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The GLB stops much shorter than the NX Series:

For better traction, the GLB has larger tires than the NX Series (235/55R18 vs. 225/65R17).

The GLB’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the NX Series’ standard 65 series tires. The GLB’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the NX Series F Sport’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLB has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the NX Series. The GLB’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the NX Series.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLB can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The NX Series doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The GLB’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The NX Series doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLB’s wheelbase is 6.7 inches longer than on the NX Series (111.4 inches vs. 104.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLB is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the NX Series.

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .89 G’s, while the NX 300 F Sport AWD pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the GLB has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the NX 300h (7.9 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the GLB to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The GLB’s minimum ground clearance is 1 inch higher than on the NX 300 (7.9 vs. 6.9 inches).

The Mercedes GLB may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 pounds less than the Lexus NX Series.

The design of the Mercedes GLB amounts to more than styling. The GLB has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .32 Cd. That is lower than the NX Series (.34) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLB get better fuel mileage.

The GLB offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the NX Series can only carry 5.

The GLB has 2.5 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more rear headroom and 2 inches more rear legroom than the NX Series.

The front step up height for the GLB is 1.1 inches lower than the NX Series (17” vs. 18.1”). The GLB’s rear step up height is .5 inches lower than the NX Series’ (17.5” vs. 18”).

The GLB’s cargo area provides more volume than the NX Series.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the GLB easier. The GLB’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.5 inches, while the NX Series’ liftover is 31.2 inches.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the NX Series, the GLB has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, suspension setting, power steering assist, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLB’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the NX Series.

The GLB’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The NX Series’ power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The GLB’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The NX Series’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The GLB offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the NX Series.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLB offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The NX Series doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The GLB offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The NX Series doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLB’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The NX Series doesn’t offer an automated parking system.