Compare the2023 Mercedes GLBVS 2022 Lexus RXL

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 RXL doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the GLB and the RXL 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.

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

The GLB 250’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 258 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. ) than the RX 450hL’s optional 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Mercedes GLB is faster than the RX 350L 3.5 DOHC V6:

On the EPA test cycle the GLB gets better mileage than the RXL:

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

The GLB stops much shorter than the RXL:

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 RXL’s standard 65 series tires. The GLB’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the RXL’s optional 55 series tires.

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 RXL doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The GLB offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The RXL’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

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 RXL doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLB’s wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer than on the RXL (111.4 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .82 G’s, while the RX 350L AWD pulls only .75 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The GLB 250 4MATIC executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the RX 350L (27.5 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.5 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

The Mercedes GLB may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 1000 pounds less than the Lexus RXL.

The GLB is 1 foot, 2.5 inches shorter than the RXL, making the GLB easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The GLB has .9 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more rear headroom, 7.2 inches more rear legroom and 5.6 inches more third row legroom than the RXL.

The front step up height for the GLB is 3.5 inches lower than the RXL (17” vs. 20.5”). The GLB’s rear step up height is 3.3 inches lower than the RXL’s (17.5” vs. 20.8”).

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

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 RXL’s liftover is 31.9 inches.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the RXL, 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 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 RXL’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 RXL.

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

Insurance will cost less for the GLB owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the GLB will cost $655 to $2840 less than the RXL over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mercedes GLB will be $2999 to $9007 less than for the Lexus RXL.