Compare the2023 Mercedes GLBVS 2023 Lexus NX

The GLB’s optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The NX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the GLB and the NX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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.

The GLB’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 18 more horsepower (221 vs. 203) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 184) than the NX 250’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The GLB’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 258 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. ) than the NX 350h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Mercedes GLB is faster than the NX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the GLB gets better mileage than the NX running its gasoline engine:

Both the GLB and the NX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights 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 NX 350h/450h+ doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The GLB has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The GLB stops much shorter than the NX:

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’s standard 60 series tires. The GLB’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the NX’s optional 50 series 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 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLB’s wheelbase is 5.5 inches longer than on the NX (111.4 inches vs. 105.9 inches).

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .89 G’s, while the NX 350 AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GLB 250 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the NX 450h AWD (27.5 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GLB has a greater minimum ground clearance than the NX (7.9 vs. 7.7 inches), allowing the GLB to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

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 (.35) 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 can only carry 5.

The GLB has 2.4 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more rear headroom, 2 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the NX.

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

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’s liftover is 30.8 inches.

The GLB’s cargo area is larger than the NX’s in almost every dimension:

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the NX, 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.

The power windows standard on both the GLB and the NX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GLB is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The NX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

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’s 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.

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 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.