2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC retained a familiar design, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with new taillights and repositioned door handles, but the overall look remained consistent with its predecessor. The headlights were narrower and more aggressive, while the taillights were connected by a trim piece, giving the rear a refreshed appearance. The interior was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC was equipped with numerous screens, buttons, and ambient lighting, making it a gadget-heavy vehicle that appealed to tech enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The TX had a more conservative design compared to other Lexus models, which might have appealed to those previously put off by the brand's styling. The TX 350 Executive package included 22-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. Inside, the TX offered premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and a dark Peppercorn interior. The cabin was equipped with triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports for all three rows, ensuring comfort and convenience for passengers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. This engine was supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing its performance. The GLC 300, on the other hand, offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which was respectable but overshadowed by the GLC 43's output. Both models featured 4Matic AWD and a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 utilizing the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension provided improved handling, though it resulted in a firmer ride.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. While the engine note was grating, the performance was adequate for typical driving situations. The TX 350 accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, aided by its torque. The fuel economy was rated at 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, though testing showed an average of 13.8 L/100 km. The suspension offered a balance between firmness and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a driver-focused cabin layout, with controls and screens angled towards the driver. The front seats offered heat and memory functions as standard, with ventilation and heated rear seats available. The GLC SUV provided 620 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe offered 545 litres of cargo volume, increasing to 1,490 litres with the seats down, though it was tighter inside compared to the SUV.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though lacking a massage function. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering leg support and a good view. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit was centred around an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the MBUX infotainment system, which included a responsive voice command system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, and augmented reality navigation. The GLC also offered a head-up display and additional USB-C ports.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available with the Executive package.

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 adaptive high beams. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems included adaptive cruise control and active steering assist.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist provided braking and steering assistance, though it was not always smooth. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system offered hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.