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Comparing the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 against the 2018 Lexus GX demonstrates just how great the difference can be between a front-line model and one that barely makes the luxury grade. The three-pointed Star of Mercedes-Benz acts as a hallmark of precise craftsmanship and an unflagging obligation to push the industry further. When you match the GLS 450 against the GX, you can see just how a dedicated luxury manufacturer is distinguished from one with its roots in the standard segment.

Power and Efficiency

The vast distances that separate the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 from entry-level competitors like the 2018 Lexus GX becomes obvious when you compare their performance and efficiency specs.

The 2018 Lexus GX has stuck with the common formula, fitting each model with a 4.6L V8 engine that provides up to 301 horsepower. This V8’s power might sound impressive, but Mercedes-Benz innovated beyond the need for eight cylinders with their 3.0L bi-turbo V6, which delivers V8-level power without the associated fuel consumption. In fact, performance upgrades, such as rapid-multispark ignition and high-pressure Direct Injection, make the GLS 450 SUV’s V6 even more forceful than the GX’s V8, coming in at a striking 362 horsepower.

That power is refined by a new 9-speed automatic transmission that shifts almost instantly, resulting in a quiet, soothing, and seamless ride, plus the ability to earn up to 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. The Lexus GX retains an antiquated six-speed; that might be fine for a run-of-the-mill Toyota, but its jerkier drive and maximum 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway ratings make it less appealing next to the clean-burning sophistication of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450.

Technology

Boasting up to 93.8 cubic feet of storage room vs. a mere 64.7 in the Lexus GX, the GLS 450 will impress you with its generous interior. However, the first thing to strike you is likely to be the incredible array of exclusive technologies on offer, including:

• COMAND^® with Optional Touchpad Controller: Enjoy intuitive access to infotainment and connectivity systems though a touchpad that responds to a variety of finger motions.
• Optional Bang & Olufsen^® BeoSound™ Premium Sound System: Uses 14 active speakers with two Acoustic Lenses and 900 total watts of power to develop an immersive surround-sound experience.
• Optional In-Car WiFi Hotspot: Provides a stronger and more stable connection to the internet than your smartphone, and without digging into your data plan.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Both of these luxury SUVs offer commanding performance both on road and off, but the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 easily sprints ahead of the pack with more power and better fuel economy:

• Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 – Under the hood of this model, you’ll find a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that generates an impressive output of 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy on this model is more remarkable than you might expect from a robust luxury SUV, with the EPA estimating it at 22 mpg highway and 17 mpg city.
• Lexus GX – The Lexus GX, on the other hand, is motivated by a 4.6L V8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Power is also sent to all four wheels on this model, but it only comes in at 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. On top of that, fuel economy is lackluster as well at an EPA-estimated 20 mpg highway and 15 mpg city.

Max Towing

If you’re looking for a big SUV, you want more than just horsepower and torque from your performance. When it comes time to haul a big boat or a trailer of stuff behind you, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 has noticeably more towing power.

• Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 – When properly set up with the right trailering equipment, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds.
• Lexus GX – Even with its trailer wiring harness installed, the 2018 Lexus GX is incapable of towing more than 6,500 pounds.

Max Towing

If you’re looking for a big SUV, you want more than just horsepower and torque from your performance. When it comes time to haul a big boat or a trailer of stuff behind you, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 has noticeably more towing power.

• Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 – When properly set up with the right trailering equipment, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds.
• Lexus GX – Even with its trailer wiring harness installed, the 2018 Lexus GX is incapable of towing more than 6,500 pounds.

Choose the GLS 450 Over the Underequipped Lexus GX

Returning more power while consuming less fuel and offering a greater array of high-end technologies, the GLS 450 shows pretenders like the Lexus GX what luxury truly means. To find out more or arrange a test drive, contact us at Mercedes-Benz of Huntington today.