2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX, despite being a few years into its second generation, maintained a fresh appearance with its well-integrated styling elements. The design featured chunky fenders, headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, and taillights connected by a thin strip, all centered around the distinctive Lexus spindle grille. While it wasn't as classically handsome as some competitors like the Genesis GV70 or Volvo XC60, it avoided the awkwardness seen in models like the Audi Q5 or BMW X3. The design team at Lexus refined the existing recipe, ensuring that key elements like the big grille and LED DRLs appeared as intentional parts of the overall design. The oversized grille, although still controversial, was balanced by the placement of the headlights and side air intakes.

In contrast, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent more extensive styling changes, highlighted by a star motif for the lights and grille. This fourth-generation model, which had been around since 2020, received a facelift that included turning the headlights and taillights into three-pointed stars, with nearly 150 scattered across the grille. These changes applied to both the standard GLE SUV and the GLE Coupe, which featured a sleeker appearance due to its lower roofline. However, the styling updates didn't necessarily improve the looks, as the SUV's rounded silhouette clashed with boxy fenders and squared-off detailing. The GLE Coupe's design was even more jarring, appearing as though it had been compressed. Despite these changes, the GLE lineup continued to offer both standard and AMG performance models, with sportier styling elements for the AMG versions.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrain options, but the standard hardware in the NX 350 F Sport test car was underwhelming. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While Lexus claimed a 6.6-second zero to 60 mph time, the sluggish transmission made achieving this difficult. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models appeared more promising on paper, with the latter boasting 304 hp and a 6-second zero to 60 mph time. However, the NX's indifferent chassis tuning and firm dampers in the F Sport Handling upgrade resulted in uncomfortable ride quality and an unengaging driving experience.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a wide array of powertrain options, including four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines, as well as two plug-in hybrid powertrains. All models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The base GLE 350 4Matic had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 4Matic featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 375 hp and 413 lb-ft. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 530 hp and 553 lb-ft. Mercedes made tweaks to these engines for 2027, including a switch to a flat-plane crank for the V8 to reduce emissions. The inline-six and V8 impressed with smooth power delivery and quick acceleration, with the V8 offering a special driving experience. The optional air suspension system added to the luxurious feel, although the GLE wasn't as sporty as some rivals.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space for a compact luxury SUV but came with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but legroom was slightly less. Front-seat legroom was closer to the Audi and Mercedes, while first-row headroom matched the Audi but trailed the Acura and Mercedes. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered outward visibility due to the deep dashboard and large exterior mirrors. Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing most competitors. The NX's 2,000-pound maximum towing capacity was also below class-leading figures.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE continued to offer two-row and three-row options, with the latter being a tight fit for midsize luxury SUVs. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, providing class-competitive first-row headroom but less legroom than some rivals. Heated power front seats with four-way lumbar and memory were standard, with ventilation and massage options available. Second-row headroom and legroom were generous, and a standard panoramic glass roof was added for SUV models. The GLE Coupe's lower roof affected rear-seat headroom and cargo space, but the GLE SUV offered 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with it folded. The GLE's maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds was unchanged and applied to all non-AMG models.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard on base and Premium trims, with a 14-inch display optional on the Premium grade and standard on higher trims. All models featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and six USB ports. Additional tech features required data connectivity packages with subscription options. The 14-inch touchscreen was well-placed but had room for improvement, with awkward touch sliders for fan speed adjustment. The voice recognition system could adjust temperature but struggled with specific commands like changing SiriusXM stations.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Superscreen display, consisting of three 12.3-inch screens forming the dashboard fascia. The MBUX infotainment system was upgraded with Mercedes' in-house MB.OS operating system and AI-enhanced voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were retained. The new operating system provided more flexibility, but the previous version of MBUX was already highly capable. An augmented-reality head-up display was available, projecting navigation arrows for complex intersections. An inward-facing camera and Microsoft Teams App enabled videoconferencing, with a 15-speaker Burmester audio system standard on most models.

The 2026 Lexus NX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and more. Additional features like park assist and a 360-degree camera system were available. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, missing the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test. NHTSA ratings were not available.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard driver-assistance features such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. A parking-assist system and surround-view camera system were available. The GLE's sensor suite supported advanced driver-assistance systems, and new headlights could steer high beams away from oncoming drivers. The 2026 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but NHTSA ratings were unavailable. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system minimized injury potential in collisions.