Compare the2024 Mercedes GLSVS 2023 Lexus GX

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

Safety

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The GLS offers an optional Post Collision Brake, which automatically applies 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 GLS has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly 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 GLS and GX have Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, but the GLS 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 GLS 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 GLS 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, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

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 GLS’ warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GLS second among large premium suvs in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The GX isn’t in the top three in its category.

Engine

The GLS 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 74 more horsepower (375 vs. 301) and 40 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 329) than the GX’s 4.6 DOHC V8. The GLS 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. The Maybach GLS 600’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 249 more horsepower (550 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 GLS 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Lexus GX:

	GLS	GX
Zero to 60 MPH	5.5 sec	7.4 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	14.4 sec	21.5 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.2 sec	7.6 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.4 sec	3.7 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.5 sec	5.1 sec
Quarter Mile	14.1 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	99 MPH	89 MPH
Top Speed	129 MPH	111 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLS 450 gets better fuel mileage than the GX (19 city/24 hwy vs. 15 city/19 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the GLS’ 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 GLS’ 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 GLS higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Lexus GX (3). This means the GLS 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 GLS, 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 GLS’ brake rotors are larger than those on the GX:

	GLS	GX
Front Rotors	14.8 inches	13.3 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	12.3 inches

The GLS stops much shorter than the GX:

	GLS	GX
70 to 0 MPH	154 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	113 feet	117 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLS has larger standard tires than the GX (F:275/45R21 & R:315/40R21 vs. 265/60R18). The GLS’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GX (F:285/40R23 & R:325/35R23 vs. 265/60R18).

The GLS’ standard 275/45R21 front and 315/40R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series front and 40 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GX’s standard 60 series tires. The GLS’ optional 285/40R23 front and 325/35R23 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 GLS has standard 21-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the GX. The GLS’ optional 23-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the GX.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Mercedes GLS 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 front and rear suspension of the GLS uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the GX, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The GLS 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 GLS’ 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 GLS’ wheelbase is 13.6 inches longer than on the GX (123.4 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the GLS is 4.2 inches wider in the front and 5.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the GX.

The GLS 450 handles at .92 G’s, while the GX pulls only .74 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GLS 450 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the GX (26.4 seconds @ .7 average G’s vs. 28.3 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GLS has a 2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the GX (10.1 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the GLS to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The GLS Off-Road Package’s minimum ground clearance is 3.2 inches higher than on the GX (11.3 vs. 8.1 inches).

Chassis

Unibody construction lowers the GLS’ 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.

Cargo Capacity

The GLS’ cargo area provides more volume than the GX.

	GLS	GX
Behind Third Seat	17.4 cubic feet	11.6 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	84.7 cubic feet	64.7 cubic feet

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the GLS easier. The GLS’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 31.8 inches, while the GX’s liftover is 34.4 inches.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the GLS’ second and third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The GX doesn’t offer automatic folding second row seats.

The GLS’ 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 GLS’ 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 GLS’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the GX’s (7716 vs. 6500 pounds).

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the GX, the GLS has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, 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 GLS offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed 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 GLS’ 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 GLS’ 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 GLS’ 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 fluid is optional on the GLS to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The GX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the GLS 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 GLS to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The GX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GLS’ 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 GLS has standard heated front and optional heated second and third row seats, which keep the driver and passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Lexus doesn’t offer heated seats in the third row of the GX.

The GLS has standard front air conditioned seats and offers them optionally in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The GX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

The GLS offers an optional center folding armrest for the third row rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and can provide a barrier between children. The GX doesn’t offer a third row rear seat center armrest.

The GLS offers optional massaging front and second row seats, which keep the driver and middle row passengers. Massaging seats aren’t available in the GX.

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

The GLS’ 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

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLS is less expensive to operate than the GX because typical repairs cost much less on the GLS than the GX, including $82 less for a starter, $37 less for a fuel pump and $877 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GLS third among large premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The GX isn’t in the top three in its category.

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