2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC showcased a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, embodying a modern yet classic design. Its long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing car-like characteristics. The interior was an artful blend of flowing lines and a minimalist approach, setting a high standard for luxury SUV cabins. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover “coupe” body styles, with the latter offering a sharp look at the expense of cargo space.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. Despite its aggressive F Sport styling, the interior design felt dated, with a stepped center console and plastic switchgear. The Black Line treatment added some flair with blue contrast stitching and aluminum pedals, but overall, the material quality seemed more aligned with mainstream brands rather than luxury. The NX’s design aimed for a sportier feel, with high-rising dashboard and door sides, offering functional yet unconventional aesthetics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered various drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, providing a refined and responsive driving experience. For those seeking more power, the AMG variants offered up to 503 horsepower with twin-turbocharged engines, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with a heavy foot. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, dropping to 19.4 cubic feet with seats up. The GLC Coupe’s design reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The interior provided ample storage options, with deep door pockets and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was decent, though the Coupe’s low roofline affected headroom.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its class. The front seats were comfortable, offering 10-way power adjustment and optional heated and ventilated features. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility. Cargo space was 16.8 cubic feet with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with seats folded, making it less spacious than its gasoline counterpart. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, touch controller, and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between radio and smartphone apps required extra steps.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid’s infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt outdated with text-heavy menus. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the parking sensors were overly sensitive, causing distractions. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and dynamic cruise control.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard, though a 360-degree camera was absent.