2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV presented a blend of new and familiar elements. The GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing its platform with the revamped C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models remained unchanged from the previous year, with updates expected for the 2024 model year. Despite the GLC 300 being an all-new vehicle, discerning the differences required a keen eye, with the most noticeable change being the narrower taillights. The grille, roofline, and beltline remained similar, making it easy to mistake for the first-generation GLC that had been in production since 2016. This continuity in design was not necessarily negative, as the GLC had led the small luxury SUV class for much of its production run, boasting a classy and timeless style. However, some felt that a bit more personality could have set the new GLC apart from its predecessor. The available AMG Line package, including a Night Package with darkened accents, offered some differentiation.

The interior of the new GLC received a more significant makeover, aligning with newer Mercedes models. A large vertical infotainment touchscreen dominated the centre of the dashboard, complemented by a tablet-like instrument panel in front of the driver. This modern, high-tech design maintained the excellent materials quality and solid construction of its predecessor. Compared to competitors like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Lexus NX, the GLC's cockpit design was simpler and cleaner. The returning GLC Coupe models retained their exterior similarity, with a coupe-like roofline that tapered toward the tail, setting them apart from the traditional GLC 300. The first-generation interior of the Coupe had aged well, offering some usability advantages over its newer sibling. Overall, the GLC continued to exude traditional luxury, while competitors leaned more into sport and technology.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was introduced in Santa Barbara, California, where the redesigned RX models were test-driven. The focus was on the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions, while the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid was not available for testing. Visually, the RX 350h was nearly indistinguishable from the standard RX 350, with only a badge on the liftgate differentiating them. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, in Iridium silver with 21-inch alloy wheels, lacked any hybrid-specific badges or design elements, which was preferred by some. In contrast, the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive bumper designs.

The RX models maintained their popularity, though they were not considered particularly attractive. The 2023 RX models had a blunt-nosed design, with a wheelbase stretch that reduced the SUV's rear overhang, making it appear smaller despite being similar in size to the outgoing model. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance, with fewer switches and an improved Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuding luxury. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had an all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim, with the option for Rioja Red upholstery for contrast. In Canada, the RX 350h started at $63,436, while the RX 500h performance hybrid began at $83,086.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC was available in the GLC 300 trim level, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) as standard in Canada. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, akin to an electric vehicle, with an estimated 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. While it provided ample power for highway merging and passing, it wasn't as lively as the BMW X3's four-cylinder powertrain. The brake pedal was slightly soft, but effective, and the suspension prioritized comfort over sporty handling, delivering a smooth ride with a nearly silent cabin.

The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar 0-100 km/h time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, delivering 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 4.7 seconds. It offered a sportier experience with a firmer ride and louder engine, appealing to sport-minded drivers.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new powertrain lineup. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-100 km/h time of about 7.5 seconds. It was more fuel-efficient, averaging 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of around 6 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy was lower, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during testing.

The RX 350h offered better fuel economy, averaging 7.4 L/100 km, and was preferred over the standard RX 350. The RX 500h F Sport Performance provided a more engaging driving experience, with its adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering, but required frequent use of the infotainment system to access driving modes. The RX 350h's lower centre of gravity and electric assist motor contributed to a more secure and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options, featuring synthetic leather upholstery that closely resembled genuine leather. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, along with a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The interior provided sufficient storage, including a large centre console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC offered ample space for taller passengers in the front, while the rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, with slightly limited headroom for taller occupants. The standard GLC provided 620 litres of cargo space, which was smaller than some rivals but adequate for most needs. The rear seats folded flat to expand cargo capacity. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and lowered rear headroom by 35 millimetres.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and space. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, standard 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 side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the rear seat, raising the seat cushion slightly and reducing rear headroom. However, leg support and legroom were excellent. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the back seat folded, matching the standard RX 350 and significantly improving over the previous RX 450h.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new interior layout with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system included a capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel, which was sensitive and challenging to use. The system's voice recognition was highly effective, though it interrupted audio playback. The infotainment system lacked physical buttons, making adjustments more distracting. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

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, with Drive Connect providing cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The system had some limitations, such as displaying only one screen menu at a time and suffering from reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which were unmarked and challenging to use with polarized sunglasses. The system had some user-experience issues, but overall, it was a significant upgrade.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model received high ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, lane change assist, and emergency stop assist. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera as standard.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Other features included lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Proactive Driving Assist was available, automatically slowing the RX to maintain a safe following distance. The system had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these were not tested.