For buyers who insist on high-luxury adventure, the Mercedes-Benz GL450 and Lexus LX 570 offer genuine off-road performance and sumptuous accommodations for seven. They remain true SUVs in every sense, with potent V8 power and truck-like capabilities.
See a side-by-side comparison of the GL450 & LX 570 »
How well do these big haulers represent their respective brands? Let's find out.
Where the GL450 Gets It Right
Although the new GL looks familiar enough, it's been reworked from the tires up. The Mercedes-Benz is slightly bigger than before, with plenty of room for seven passengers, 93 cubic feet of cargo space, and a newly available power-folding second-row seat. Daimler has succeeded in making the interior environment significantly more inviting. Sharp angles have been smoothed out, and warm-toned wood abounds. The expanded slate of safety and convenience technology offers everything you'd expect in a flagship luxury sedan.
An all-new twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 with 362 horsepower takes the GL from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and enables it to tow up to 7,500 pounds. All models carry the familiar 4MATIC full-time all-wheel drive system, which can be supplemented by an off-road package consisting of adaptive suspension dampers, front underbody protection, and a six-mode terrain selector.
Where the LX 570 Gets It Right
The silky luxury for which Lexus sedans are known transfers beautifully to LX 570. For something with such rugged DNA, the Lexus is remarkably smooth and quiet. The 5.7-liter V8 delivers 383 horsepower, good enough to get the LX up to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. It also achieves car-like braking distances and can tow up to 7,000 pounds, although cargo space is nothing special at 83 cubic feet.
All models get full-time four-wheel drive with crawl control, an impressive setup borrowed from the Toyota Land Cruiser. Although gas mileage takes a hit, the LX is better-equipped to tackle off-road obstacles than most large SUVs.
The Bottom Line
Weekend warriors take note: both of these luxury liners are capable of roughing it as well as any 4x4 truck. Beyond that, the Mercedes deserves credit for its sleeker body and welcoming new interior. The Lexus seems bulky and a tad dated by comparison.
Our Verdict: Mercedes-Benz GL450
Fresh from its redesign, the Mercedes stands out as a thoroughly modern luxury SUV with muscle.
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