Two Best-Selling Luxury SUVs Get a Makeover for 2023
One is a compact SUV from Germany, the other is a midsize SUV from Japan. Both are extremely important products for their respective companies and receive a complete redesign for the 2023 model year.
We’re talking about the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus RX, of course. What’s so special about them? Well, let’s take a look!
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Longer and wider, the new GLC emphasizes its rugged stance with a number of cosmetic revisions especially the grille, lighting units and lower-body cladding. The silhouette is slightly more aerodynamic, which contributes to a quieter driving experience along with improved noise insulation.
However, the evolution is much more striking inside, from the new-look air vents at the top of the dashboard to the driver-oriented, portrait-style 11.9-inch touchscreen to the more modern 12.3-inch digital information display. Overall, the cabin is superbly laid out and finished. Some of the competitors will be jealous.
By the way, the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system makes the interior even more digital and intelligent. The voice assistant “Hey, Mercedes” is now more capable of dialogue and learning, while the MBUX Smart Home function turns the GLC into a mobile control centre for the home. Also, augmented reality adds a new layer of information and convenience to the navigation system.
Want to know something that’s pretty cool? Similar to Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz came up with a new 360-degree camera system that offers a “transparent engine hood” where the centre display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and their steering position, helping drivers recognize obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes.
The engine is very real, obviously. In GLC 300 4MATIC trim, the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder continues to generate 255 hp, but peak torque is increased from 273 lb-ft. to 295 lb-ft. A 48V mild hybrid system can provide an extra 148 lb-ft. while easing the burden on the combustion engine in certain situations for improved fuel economy. Elsewhere, there’s a new four-link front suspension along with amplitude-dependent shock absorbers.
Unfortunately, the next-generation GLC will not come to Canada until the spring of 2023. No word yet on future AMG models, so we’ll have to be even more patient. Same thing when it comes to a plug-in hybrid variant.
2023 Lexus RX
If you want plenty of engine choices, look no further than the fifth-generation Lexus RX, which will go on sale by the end of this year. Riding on the GA-K platform, it boasts a lower centre of gravity, 60 mm of extra wheelbase and a weight reduction of 90 kg compared with its predecessor.
Arguably the most notable change or addition for 2023 is the new plug-in hybrid model called RX 450h+. Unfortunately, details for the North American market are not ready to be shared at this time. If the smaller NX 450h+ is any indication, a 2.5L gasoline engine will combine with an electric drive unit and an 18.1kWh battery for a zero-emission range of approximately 60 km.
The regular hybrid variant is back, naturally, though its 3.5L V6 is replaced by a 2.5L four-cylinder. Still called RX 350h, it now generates just 246 hp instead of 308 hp, but average fuel consumption is estimated at 7.1 L/100 km. Impressive. Meanwhile, the entry-level RX 350 gets a turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine producing 275 hp and 311 lb-ft. of torque.
But wait, there’s more. A new RX 500h F Sport Performance model combines the aforementioned turbo-four with hybrid technology for a total of 357 hp and 406 lb-ft. of torque. Lexus claims it can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
Inside, the most exciting thing is arguably the new Lexus Interface infotainment system powering a large 14-inch touchscreen. That’s right, no more touchpad on the centre console. Meanwhile, the Lexus Safety System+ is upgraded to version 3.0, which provides additional driver assistance features.
Oh, and the brand’s love-it-or-hate-it spindle grille design has been reinterpreted for the midsize SUV. We suspect it will continue to put off some customers—just look at the pictures and see for yourself.
