2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance that, while bordering on understated, promised to age gracefully. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured striking 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille design, and polished metal accents that complemented its lustrous paint. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a sophisticated Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, creating a luxurious environment. The GLS 450, the most affordable version, was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, presented a more polarizing design. With its exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers, it stood out, though not always for the right reasons. The RX's design, with its massive grille and dramatic rear haunches, was less universally appealing. Inside, the RX 500h offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, the ergonomics of the controls were inconsistent, ranging from intuitive to perplexing. The RX Hybrid lineup included three models, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiency, catering to different preferences and needs.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 delivered a compelling performance with its 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and swift acceleration. It reached 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, aided by a mild-hybrid system that added an instant 148 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system offered versatility with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual driving modes. The GLS 450's adaptive air suspension and massive tires contributed to its athleticism, while the brakes ensured smooth stops. Off-road enthusiasts appreciated the Off-Road menu within MBUX and the optional Off-Road Package on the GLS 580.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of performance options. The RX 350h, with 246 hp, prioritized efficiency, while the RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system, enhancing its dynamic capabilities. However, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was disappointing, and its drivetrain occasionally hesitated. Despite its capabilities, the RX 500h lacked the rewarding driving experience expected from a performance-oriented SUV.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious and luxurious interior. The front seats, with leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs, provided exceptional comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs, though low, offered excellent thigh support and expansive legroom. However, accessing the third-row seat was cumbersome, and space was snug for adults. Cargo space was practical, with 355 litres behind the third row, 1,209 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,400 litres behind the front seats.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, though snug, offered heating and ventilation. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, provided ample room for adults. Interior storage was plentiful, though the rear centre armrest lacked a lining. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the second row folded. However, the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading larger items.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered improved graphics and intuitive operation, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and centre console could be frustrating. The Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology provided an impressive audio experience. MBUX's augmented reality navigation and natural voice recognition were standout features, though the touchpad's placement near the cupholders was less than ideal.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted a high-tech interior with digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting, and the system experienced occasional glitches. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though adjusting settings via the steering wheel was challenging.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with over 20 significant safety features, including advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that could be customized through MBUX. The forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist systems were effective without being intrusive. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems operated smoothly, providing a seamless driving experience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress, while the available surround-view camera enhanced safety. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS rated it poorly in a frontal-impact test.