The Lexus RX can make an extremely conscious statement when it comes to style and luxury. At a price point that is around $8000 cheaper in its base model to the GLE, it's hard to believe that it can deliver a decent amount of power and luxury to compete in the market. As you start to upgrade the Lexus RX and consider the idea of its plug-in hybrid model, it can get much closer in price to the 2018 GLE SUV. Customizing the power and the ride can also lead to some improvements with acceleration and improvements with hugging the road. Even the base model has some great matters when it comes to navigating on the road in its standard mode. When you activate the sport mode ride however this is a car that does accelerate quickly but has an awfully stiff ride. The suspension in the settings with the ride in sport mode make sure that you feel every little bump and this doesn’t really provide much of a luxury experience. The tech that Lexus puts into these vehicles is fantastic but the Mercedes slightly edges it out there as well. The styling in the Lexus RS does definitely take a hit for its price point as well. What the Lexus RX does present however is the chance to get into the Luxury SUV market at a very reasonable price.
The 2018 GLE 350
There is a definite reason why the Mercedes-Benz GLE represents one of the most powerful competitors in the market. This is a luxury SUV that has been in production now for over two decades. Mercedes has made many modifications for the 2018 version of the GLE SUV as well. As a luxury midsize SUV it delivers performance options, plug-in hybrid options and multiple powertrain choices. The GLE coupe represents a sporty version of the SUV and it's also possible to partner up the power and performance with a few other drive types from Mercedes as well. The wide body included in this vehicle insurer is that it can really hug the roads and be fun to drive. The power on board is no slouch either. The base model of this SUV can lend itself to towing and more with a seven speed gearbox and 302 hp. The plug-in hybrid version of the 2018 GLE SUV delivers 436 HP for a powerful offering. New tech and comfort packages can be fully customized to the need of every customer. On a vehicle that's often valued at over $50,000 with options, having these customization options for the interior can deliver extra value in the SUV market.
Comparing the GLE to the Lexus RX
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE does offer a much better ride, improve tech and a better look for the price. Although it does cost a little bit more money if you are truly in the market for a luxury SUV it could be wiser to save and spend on the car that has dominated the market for the last 20 years. The Lexus is a new rival that presents some fine features for a great value, but a package that overall feels a bit incomplete until you are willing to add some options.
More about GLE-Class Luxury Midsize SUVs
A perfect fit for the way you drive — and the way you live
