What's the difference?
Having been on the market since 2014, the NX mid-size SUV quickly shot up the Lexus sales charts to become the brand’s most-popular model.
The SUV-hungry Australian market ate up the premium crossover, which also had the distinction of offering a hybrid powertrain.
In 2020 though, with SUVs popping up left, right and centre from premium and mainstream brands, can the NX still hold its own as an inner-city cruiser?
Mercedes-Benz has brought back the entry-grade GLC200 and it's now the most affordable way into the sleek, mid-size luxury SUV.
But ‘entry-level’ doesn’t always mean ‘everyday friendly,’ so we’ve been family-testing it to see if it delivers that signature Benz comfort, quality and class without the premium sting.
The question is, does it offer enough substance and style to take on its high-profile rivals, the Audi Q5 and BMW X3?
The Lexus NX 300h F Sport is both a comfortable and luxurious family hauler that is held back by just a few things.
Of course, gripes like the underwhelming dynamics might not be an issue for all, but the less-than-stellar fuel economy (for a hybrid, at least), disappointing practicality and fiddly multimedia will affect all potential buyers.
However, this is balanced out by loads of equipment and premium appointments for a reasonable price, which should put the Lexus NX on your shopping list if you are keen for an inner-city premium SUV cruiser.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC200 might be the base-grade, but it doesn’t look or feel like it. From the outside, it’s stylish and refined, and inside, it delivers that signature Benz luxury with premium features, impressive tech and a beautiful cabin.
While the engine isn’t wildly powerful, it’s more than capable for everyday driving and long stretches on the highway and the ride quality overall is smooth, quiet and composed. It loses points for being more expensive than its entry-grade rivals and for those steep ongoing servicing costs, which could be a sticking point for some buyers.