2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, stood out with its unique design that differentiated it from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It shared some visual bulk with models like the GLS, GLC, and GLB, but its rounded profile paid homage to previous generations and its M-Class predecessor. The GLE featured squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights, giving it a wide stance. However, the sharply tapering side glass, windshield, and back window created odd proportions, especially on the GLE Coupe models. Despite not being the most handsome model in the Mercedes lineup, its styling adhered closely to the brand’s orthodoxy, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

Inside, Mercedes offered a variety of interior colours beyond the typical black, grey, and tan. The U.S. test car's Yacht Blue interior was unavailable in Canada, but the GLE's interior still impressed with its upscale feel. Features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting transformed the cabin into a vibrant space. The interior felt special and luxurious, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that featured an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was unremarkable, with a huge front grille and dramatic rear haunches. Historically, the RX had never been a standout in terms of looks, and the current-generation model was only palatable depending on the version and colour/wheel combination chosen.

The RX Hybrid lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+. The RX 350h was the base model, offering 246 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency. The RX 500h was the performance-oriented option, delivering 366 hp, while the RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 60 km of electric-only range. All models came with standard AWD in Canada, and the RX offered a range of packages to suit different preferences. Inside, the RX featured a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. While the controls varied in usability, the RX avoided the common single curved display approach, maintaining a unique interior design.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The lineup began with the GLE 350, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four engine with electric assist, offering 381 hp, 479 lb-ft of torque, and 80 km of electric range.

The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ were the performance models. The AMG GLE 53 used an enhanced inline-six powertrain, generating 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S boasted a hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, with a 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds. The GLE's refinement impressed, but even in AMG spec, it felt larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup began with the RX 350h, the least powerful but most efficient model, offering 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h+ PHEV featured a hybrid system with a larger battery pack, producing 304 hp and achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h included a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system.

The RX 500h's drivetrain provided plenty of power and quick acceleration, but it wasn't very fuel-efficient, averaging 13.5 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h was quiet on the highway, but its adaptive damping suspension didn't control body motions as expected. While capable on twisty roads, the RX 500h filtered communication, making it difficult to discern dynamic limits. The RX 500h was more about sporty appearance and straight-line acceleration than overall dynamic capability.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes didn't publish third-row space specs. The GLE offered similar headroom to rivals but slightly less legroom than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, but outward visibility was limited. The AMG test car's heavily bolstered front seats made entry and exit challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with headroom nearly identical to the BMW X5 and more legroom than the BMW, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 894 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's maximum towing capacity was 3,500 kg, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the bottom cushions weren't comfortable for long drives. The automatic climate system's fan was loud on hot days. A panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, and optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated rear seats provided comfort. The RX offered ample rear seat space for adults.

Interior storage was practical, but the rear centre armrest storage compartment lacked lining, causing noise. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage space under the load floor. Folding the second row created 1,308 litres of cargo volume, which was limited for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, creating the impression of one continuous horizontal screen. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad and steering wheel touchpads, could be confusing, but the voice recognition system was effective.

The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car had additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some GLE models offered an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system. These features, combined with air suspension, made rough terrain driving easier.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury vehicle tech standards. The RX 500h F Sport Black Line included digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The steering wheel controls were distracting and dangerous, but the Lexus Interface infotainment system was advanced. It featured a volume knob, large climate control dials, and a 14-inch touchscreen display.

The RX 500h offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Drive Connect plan included a cloud-based navigation system and a digital voice assistant. The Lexus Interface technology worked well, but the test vehicle experienced a glitch with satellite radio. The head-up display was helpful but not as comprehensive as rivals. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, although some were not standard. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows.

The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a cross-traffic function for automatic emergency braking. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, but its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) was standard, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also had blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to ensure safe distances. The RX Hybrid's surround-view camera was a valuable upgrade. LSS+ 3.0 worked well, but Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) asked to record the driver, which was unsettling. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in a frontal-impact test.