2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350

However, it’s also logical you’d be looking at Mercedes-Benz. The European automaker has been churning out top-dollar automotives forever -- or so it seems. In this case, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 -- or the GLC 350 -- may be in your sights. However, there’s been no significant update there since the 2020 model year.

So how does the Lexus hybrid SUV compare to its European rivals? Here are some details to give you a good idea about the 2023 RX Hybrid vs the GLE 350 today.

1. The Whole Package

   If you are wondering if a Lexus could possibly be as complete a package as a Mercedes Benz, check the independent reviews. Motor1 praises the Lexus reboot for “meaningful changes to the material quality, technology, and safety equipment” and calls the exterior sharper and more refined.

   US News and World Report sums up the 2023 Lexus RX 350 as “comfortable to drive, spacious and well-equipped”. Among its positives, they note its upscale interior and many standard features.

   Lexus software interface has never been better. A large 14-inch display is ready to challenge the Mercedes touchscreen.

   The steering wheel controls now offer an exclusive capability only on the Lexus. If you touch one, the heads-up display will tell you what it is. This allows you to find the right button without looking down.

   As for avoiding crash scenarios, the Lexus works just as hard as the Mercedes. Driver assistance ranges from automatic braking to lane keep assist. Adaptive cruise control and the more advanced traffic jam assist are terrific assets for a busy driver.

2. Luxury Appointments

   Many would say it’s not easy to compete with Mercedes-Benz's reputation for high standards. However, the Lexus RX 350 has positioned itself to do just that. The GLE 350 is certainly fancy, but the Lexus hybrid offers more upscale features and top technologies for a lower price.

   Kelley Blue Book praises the interior for its “rich materials laid out with restrained artisanship.”

   Motor1 calls the front bucket seats “a fancy leather glove”. Door panels are given softness and visual depth with a wool-like material.

   Peppercorn brown leather upholstery is matched with faux suede door panels. Every detail, such as the real aluminum around the vents, is rendered with high quality materials and luxury-level fit and finish. Every element fits seamlessly into the overall elegant style of these Lexus SUVs.

3. Good Looking

   This year the 2023 RX 350 has become an even more formidable player, challenging its rivals to call it anything less than gorgeous.

   The Lexus spindle grille has been sized down and now sits under a pointed nose. The grille is downplayed by what Kelley Blue Book describes as a “cool gradient effect”. That’s the visual trick that makes the grille seem to fade as it nears the hood.

   Another visual trick, a floating roof is created with a blacked out C pillar. Few automakers offer such an adventurous color palette that adds a bespoke character to the exterior.

4. Performance and Drivability

   The 2023 Lexus RX 350 Hybrid produces an ample 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. Both the RX 350 and RX Hybrid can be equipped to tow 3,500 pounds.

   If the driver wants a more dynamic powertrain, the F Sport Performance plug-in hybrid cranks out 366 horsepower. It uses its electric motors to generate a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque.

   Weighing as much as 500 pounds more than the RX, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a 255-horsepower engine. It earns 19 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.

   That’s less than the 275-horsepower RX 350. It earns 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. US News and World Report calls that “great fuel economy for the class.”

   Of course, the champion here is the 2023 RX Hybrid powertrain. It earns 37 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. The RX 500h F Sport Performance is next, earning 28/27 mpg city/highway.

5. Size and Spaciousness

   On the one hand, the Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 in a vehicle measuring 194.3 inches. On the other hand, the RX measures 192.5 inches and seats five. As for legroom, the RX is doing well with 37.4 inches. The GLC is about the same with 37.3 inches, and the GLE is slightly bigger with 40.9 inches.

   This year the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid cargo hold grew to 29.6 cu ft. The 2023 Mercedes GLE is rated at 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row or about 17 cu ft behind the third. So, if you really need a third row, you are looking at a tiny cargo space.

   If you compare the RX to the Mercedes-Benz GLC, you’ll find the RX has almost five extra cubic feet. GLC cargo holds measure 24.3 cu ft.

6. Ride Comfort

   As Motor1 wrote after the new RX 350 debuted, this model is the king of ride comfort. US News and World Report also reports it as a gentle ride. The review calls it a smooth and composed ride quality.

   Meanwhile, that same quality assists the driver by providing excellent feedback. As US News explains it, the SUV maneuvers confidently. So it’s a win for Lexus handling.

   In contrast, Car and Driver found complaints about the Mercedes-Benz SUV’s ride quality. Specifically, their test drivers called out its stiff ride with larger wheels.

   In their review, Kelley Blue Book asserts that the problem is the standard suspension. If you can afford to step up to the Airmatic air suspension, that can take care of it. Of course, this also adds quite a bit to the already high pricetag.

7. Costs and Benefits

   The Mercedes-Benz will always cost you more if you want comparable luxuries and technologies to the Lexus. So, while the GLC Class starts out less, it quickly jumps in price. On the other hand, the RX 350 is only a few thousand less than the RX Hybrid. This offers an opportunity for shoppers to get money-saving fuel economy.

   A Lexus RX 350 Hybrid costs about $9000 less at the outset compared to the Mercedes GLE. You can step up several trims and enjoy paying less and getting more with Lexus.

   Furthermore, the Mercedes-Benz warranty runs for four years and 50,000 miles, and that’s it.

   Lexus provides much more coverage. It adds a six-year or 70,000-mile warranty for the powertrain. Plus, all hybrid components are covered for up to 8 years.

Which luxury SUV is right for you? We’ll let you be the final judge. Take the all new RX on a test drive and discover just how luxurious and high tech it really is.