Compare the2024 Mercedes GLEVS 2023 Lexus GX

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The GLE offers optional Post-Collision Brake, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The GX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLE has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The GX doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Both the GLE and GX have Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, but the GLE has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The GX’s Rear Cross-Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the GLE uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The GX uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the GLE and the GX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available lane departure warning systems.

The Mercedes GLE (only applies to vehicles with optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The GX has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

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 GLE’s warranty.

Engine

The GLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 61 more horsepower (362 vs. 301) and 40 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 329) than the GX’s 4.6 DOHC V8. The GLE 450e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 80 more horsepower (381 vs. 301) and 150 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 329) than the GX’s 4.6 DOHC V8. The GLE 580’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 209 more horsepower (510 vs. 301) and 209 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 329) than the GX’s 4.6 DOHC V8.

As tested in Car and Driver the GLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Lexus GX:

	GLE	GX
Zero to 30 MPH	1.9 sec	2.5 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	5.3 sec	7.4 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	13.9 sec	21.5 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6 sec	7.6 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.2 sec	3.7 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.3 sec	5.1 sec
Quarter Mile	13.9 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	100 MPH	89 MPH
Top Speed	129 MPH	111 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLE running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the GX:

			MPG
GLE
	AWD	350 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/28 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	19 city/26 hwy
		4.0 turbo V8 Hybrid	15 city/20 hwy
GX
	AWD	4.6 DOHC V8	15 city/19 hwy

The GLE 450e can travel with zero emissions for 48 miles. The GX can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the GLE’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the GLE’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The GX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes GLE higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Lexus GX (3). This means the GLE produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the GX every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLE, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the GX.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GLE 450e’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GX:

	GLE 450e	GX
Front Rotors	15.7 inches	13.3 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	12.3 inches

The GLE stops much shorter than the GX:

	GLE	GX
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	132 feet	136 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLE 580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GX (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 265/60R18).

The GLE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GX’s standard 60 series tires. The GLE 580’s optional 285/40R22 front and 325/35R22 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the GX’s optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the GX. The GLE 580’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the GX.

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

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Mercedes GLE has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Lexus GX has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The GLE 450 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Lexus doesn’t offer an active suspension on the GX.

The GLE’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 GX doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLE’s wheelbase is 8.1 inches longer than on the GX (117.9 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLE is 3.2 inches wider in the front and 4 inches wider in the rear than on the GX.

The GLE 450 handles at .84 G’s, while the GX pulls only .74 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GLE 450 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the GX (27 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 28.3 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the GLE’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the GX’s (39.4 feet vs. 41.1 feet).

For greater off-road capability the GLE Airmatic has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the GX (9.2 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the GLE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The Mercedes GLE may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 200 pounds less than the Lexus GX.

Unibody construction lowers the GLE’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The GX doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

The design of the Mercedes GLE amounts to more than styling. The GLE has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is significantly lower than the GX (.35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLE get better fuel mileage.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the GLE 450 is quieter than the GX:

	GLE	GX
At idle	38 dB	43 dB
Full-Throttle	70 dB	73 dB
70 MPH Cruising	63 dB	66 dB

Passenger Space

The GLE has 2.5 inches more front headroom, 3.9 inches more front shoulder room, 6.8 inches more rear legroom and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the GX.

The front step up height for the GLE is 1.7 inches lower than the GX (20” vs. 21.7”). The GLE’s rear step up height is 2 inches lower than the GX’s (20” vs. 22”).

Cargo Capacity

The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the GX with its rear seat up (33.3 vs. 11.6 cubic feet). The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the GX with its rear seat folded (74.9 vs. 64.7 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the GLE easier. The GLE’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 30.7 inches, while the GX’s liftover is 34.4 inches.

The GLE’s cargo area is larger than the GX’s in every dimension:

	GLE	GX
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	40”/76.5”	7.2”/36.5”/72”
Min Width	43.7”	43.4”
Height	35.5”	35.1”

The GLE’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The GX’s swing out door blocks loading from the passenger’s side.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the GLE’s power cargo door can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The GX doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening cargo door.

Towing

The GLE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the GX’s (7700 vs. 6500 pounds).

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the GX, the GLE has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLE’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The GX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GLE offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, certain gauge, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The GX doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The GLE’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The GX’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The GLE’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Access standard on the GX doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The GLE’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 GX’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The GLE’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 GX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the GLE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The GX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the GLE has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The GX doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLE to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The GX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GLE’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The GX’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

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

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The GX doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The GLE’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The GX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the GLE owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the GLE with a number “8” insurance rate while the GX is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLE is less expensive to operate than the GX because typical repairs cost much less on the GLE than the GX, including $104 less for a starter, $37 less for a fuel pump and $886 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Mercedes GLE outsold the Lexus GX by 81% during 2023.

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