Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Lexus NX

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a visual delight, adhering closely to the brand's contemporary design ethos. Its taut lines and muscular shape flowed elegantly from the signature Mercedes star pattern grille and standard LED headlights. The taller, upright cabin and short overhangs suggested a multi-terrain capability, particularly in non-AMG Line models with unpainted wheel arch liners. The crisp headlights and detailed tail lights ensured the GLC's look remained fresh, while optional 20-inch AMG five-spoke wheels enhanced its athletic form. Inside, the GLC exuded luxury with beautifully designed, contrasting-leather-adorned interior door panels and premium materials. The GLC 350e PHEV test unit featured supple white leather seats with heating and ventilation options, offering great adjustability and a commanding road view. The haptic steering wheel and climate controls, though made of piano black plastic, were nicely contrasted by faux carbon fibre, satin-stitched leather, and painted aluminum trim accents.

The 2026 Lexus NX maintained a fresh appearance despite being a few years into its second generation. Its design elements, including chunky fenders, integrated LED daytime running lights, and the spindle grille, were well-integrated. While not as classically handsome as some rivals, the NX avoided the awkwardness seen in other models. The Lexus design team refined existing elements, making the oversized grille and LED DRLs appear intentional. For 2026, the NX offered non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models with various packages. The F Sport packages added adaptive dampers and black 20-inch wheels, among other features. Despite the brand's more extroverted styling, Lexus maintained customer loyalty, though the base NX 350's luxury expectations fell short. The F Sport 3 test car's all-black interior felt underwhelming compared to high-end Toyota RAV4 versions. The NX 350 Executive package offered leather upholstery and standard heated and ventilated front seats, but the overall interior experience didn't quite match the brand's luxury reputation.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC came standard with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system in Canada. The entry-level models featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC 300 produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the 350e's output was slightly lower at 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. However, the 300's 48-volt mild-hybrid system added 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time. The 350e's hybrid system, with a 23.3-kilowatt-hour battery and electric motor, delivered a combined 313 hp and 406 lb-ft, though its 0-100 km/h time was 6.7 seconds due to extra weight. The GLC excelled in ride quality, steering, and handling, absorbing road imperfections well and maintaining composure on highways and winding roads. Braking performance was adequate, with regenerative braking adjustable via steering wheel paddles. The 350e's 87-kilometre electric range was impressive, and its hybrid mode prioritized electricity over internal combustion.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered various powertrain options, but the standard hardware in the NX 350 F Sport 3 test car was underwhelming. The NX 350's turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine felt more suited to a pickup truck, and the eight-speed automatic hindered performance, making the quoted 7.0-second 0-100 km/h time difficult to achieve. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models appeared more promising on paper, with the latter offering 304 hp and a 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time. However, the NX's chassis tuning was indifferent, with the F Sport 3's adaptive dampers proving too firm for comfort. The NX's ride quality was uncomfortable, and the steering lacked engagement. Despite Lexus's reputation for quiet and refined vehicles, the NX fell short in these areas, with wind noise at highway speeds detracting from cabin serenity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered good hip, shoulder, and legroom up front, even for taller drivers, but rear seats were tight on leg and headroom. The GLC's boxy shape and 470 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,530 litres with rear seats folded, made it practical despite being smaller than some rivals. The split rear seat dropped easily, allowing for versatile cargo arrangements. The GLC's hybridization contributed to an average fuel economy of 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres, with the 350e achieving an estimated 10.2 L/100 km city, 8.5 highway, and 9.4 combined in hybrid mode.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space but with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. Front-seat legroom was closer to the Audi and Mercedes, though the Acura offered more. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered visibility due to the deep dashboard and large mirrors. The F Sport 3 package's sport seats were comfortable but unnecessary given the NX's performance. Cargo space measured 643 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded, trailing competitors. The NX's towing capacity was also below class-leading.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with haptic controls and an 11.9-inch touchscreen. While user-friendly, the haptic controls required some adjustment, and the touchscreen response was occasionally sluggish. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connected seamlessly, and the Burmester 3D surround sound system enhanced the audio experience. The ambient lighting added to the driving atmosphere.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 14-inch display with packages. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Higher packages offered a head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. Data connectivity packages provided additional features like cloud-based navigation and digital key functionality. The 14-inch touchscreen was well-placed but had room for improvement, and the voice recognition system had limitations.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, active parking assistance, and active braking assistance. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist, and more, all working smoothly together.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features like park assist and a 360-degree camera system were available. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though it missed the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test.