2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, tested in Santa Barbara, California, presented a subtle yet sophisticated exterior design. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch alloy wheels, maintained a low profile, lacking any overt hybrid identifiers. In contrast, the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with critiques focusing on its front-heavy appearance and visually shortened rear end. Inside, the RX embraced a minimalist aesthetic, featuring a modern infotainment system and ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury's interior boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum accents.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC, a best-seller in North America, underwent a generational redesign that retained much of its predecessor's familiar look. The GLC's exterior updates included repositioned door handles, narrower headlights, and a revised rear design with connected taillights. The GLC Coupe maintained its distinctive fastback profile, while the AMG models featured unique grille designs. Inside, the GLC's cabin was luxurious and gadget-laden, with a driver-focused layout and an abundance of controls. The AMG GLC 43 test vehicle showcased two-tone Sienna Brown and Black leather upholstery, optional wood-and-metal dash treatment, and a plethora of screens and ambient lighting. The GLC's interior was praised for its class-leading technology and sumptuous design, appealing to those who appreciate a tech-heavy environment.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. It accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. Despite its power, the RX 500h consumed 8.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a thrilling option for enthusiasts. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, and real-world fuel economy fell short of estimates.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a range of powertrains, with the AMG GLC 43 featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 416 hp, surpassing the previous generation's V6. The GLC 300, with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, provided a solid entry-level option. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the AMG GLC 43 benefiting from the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The GLC 43's performance suspension and four-wheel steering contributed to its sporty nature, though the firmer ride and rougher shifts made it less suitable for daily commuting. Enthusiasts appreciated the GLC 43's dynamic capabilities, but it was not the ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable luxury crossover.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, seat heating and ventilation, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support and legroom, though rear headroom was limited. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,308 litres with the seats folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with a centre touchscreen and controls angled toward the driver. The GLC offered standard heated front seats with memory functions, while front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats were available. The GLC SUV provided 620 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe, with its sloping roofline, offered 545 litres of cargo volume, expanding to 1,490 litres with the seats down. The GLC's interior configuration and power-folding rear seats added convenience, though cargo space was not class-leading.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system's single-screen view, reflections, and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks. The available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads added complexity, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. The system's voice command functionality was praised for its responsiveness. The GLC offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, optional navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display with a "Transparent Hood" feature. Additional options included a head-up display, augmented reality navigation, and extra USB-C ports.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. While the safety features generally operated well, issues with polarized sunglasses and reactive curve-speed reduction were noted.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available, though some features were not standard.