Compare the2024 Mercedes GLBVS 2024 Lexus TX

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 TX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the GLB has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Active Brake Assist, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the TX Premium/Luxury offers Parking Support Brake.

Both the GLB and the TX 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, rear cross-path warning, 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.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes GLB is faster than the TX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder:

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

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

The GLB stops much shorter than the TX:

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 TX 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 TX’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 TX doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .89 G’s, while the TX 500h F Sport Performance Luxury 4dr Sport Utility pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the GLB has a greater minimum ground clearance than the TX 550h+ Luxury 4dr Sport Utility (7.9 vs. 7.7 inches), allowing the GLB to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mercedes GLB may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 to 1450 pounds less than the Lexus TX.

The GLB is 1 foot, 8.7 inches shorter than the TX, making the GLB easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The GLB is 6.1 inches narrower than the TX, making the GLB easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

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 TX (.34 to .35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLB get better fuel mileage.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the TX Premium/Luxury, 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.

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

The TX Luxury/F Sport’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The GLB’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Mercedes GLB outsold the Lexus TX by over two to one during 2023.