General Car Conversation 2025 - Part 1
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: ON/NY
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Ohio
Dysfunctional Veteran
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,101
Likes: 317
From: Van Alstyne, TX
I rented a Mercedes GLB250 for a road trip from DFW to Richmond VA and back for a funeral. A few notes after 2400mi in the pilot seat of the GLB:
1. It needs more torque. the 2.5L 4 banger, even with the turbo, only kicks out 221hp. its about as quick as my wife's CRV, which only has 180hp, but out of half the engine. Also, my model was the FWD, not the AWD version, so it is as apples to apples comparison. For as heavy as the GLB is, it just doesn't have enough oomph. However, the DCT is superb and makes it feel much quicker than it is.
2. It has a fair bit of road noise. The RX is far quieter.
3. At over $50,000, it needs to come standard with adaptive cruise and LKA. It does come standard with BSM, but come on, this isn't 2005. At this price point, the lack of those 2 thinks is just ridiculous.
4. why...just why in the hell does this thing not have a heated steering wheel? It may not matter much in FL, but in Northern VA in January, it was missed.
5. Fit & Finish were pretty great for an entry-level Luxury SUV, though I think the equivalent Lincoln has a nicer interior (the Corsair, I think).
6. The ride was firm, but not harsh, and the engine noise was a bit buzzy at higher revs (4-banger), but unintrusive overall.
7. The seat kinetics were amazing. Really staves off drivers fatigue. I was able to drive it non-stop from Knoxville, TN, back to DFW, a distance of nearly 1000 miles.
8. It cruises EFFORTLESSLY at speeds of 80+ and is firmly planted. We had a 20mph crosswind a lot of the way and it never blew the car around.
9. The fuel economy was superb. 30+ at freeway speeds of 80-85. the 14-15 gallon tank outlasted my bladder on multiple occasions.
10. NO FACKING SPARE TIRE. Pisses me off. LOL
All-in-all, I would rather drive my LS460, but when you need to haul 3 people plus luggage that far it can get a little tight. At $250 for the week, this rental was a no-brainer. More comfortable for everyone.
1. It needs more torque. the 2.5L 4 banger, even with the turbo, only kicks out 221hp. its about as quick as my wife's CRV, which only has 180hp, but out of half the engine. Also, my model was the FWD, not the AWD version, so it is as apples to apples comparison. For as heavy as the GLB is, it just doesn't have enough oomph. However, the DCT is superb and makes it feel much quicker than it is.
2. It has a fair bit of road noise. The RX is far quieter.
3. At over $50,000, it needs to come standard with adaptive cruise and LKA. It does come standard with BSM, but come on, this isn't 2005. At this price point, the lack of those 2 thinks is just ridiculous.
4. why...just why in the hell does this thing not have a heated steering wheel? It may not matter much in FL, but in Northern VA in January, it was missed.
5. Fit & Finish were pretty great for an entry-level Luxury SUV, though I think the equivalent Lincoln has a nicer interior (the Corsair, I think).
6. The ride was firm, but not harsh, and the engine noise was a bit buzzy at higher revs (4-banger), but unintrusive overall.
7. The seat kinetics were amazing. Really staves off drivers fatigue. I was able to drive it non-stop from Knoxville, TN, back to DFW, a distance of nearly 1000 miles.
8. It cruises EFFORTLESSLY at speeds of 80+ and is firmly planted. We had a 20mph crosswind a lot of the way and it never blew the car around.
9. The fuel economy was superb. 30+ at freeway speeds of 80-85. the 14-15 gallon tank outlasted my bladder on multiple occasions.
10. NO FACKING SPARE TIRE. Pisses me off. LOL
All-in-all, I would rather drive my LS460, but when you need to haul 3 people plus luggage that far it can get a little tight. At $250 for the week, this rental was a no-brainer. More comfortable for everyone.
Last edited by ArmyofOne; Jan 27, 2025 at 03:29 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,385
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From: Las Vegas
You didn't stop driving an LX because you dislike the new LX600. No reason to be ashamed of the Land Cruiser because of the current one.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,083
Likes: 512
From: Knoxville, TN
LX600 I don't hate, it just doesn't really offer what I want. The price is outrageous for the things you DON'T get.
Last edited by AJT123; Jan 27, 2025 at 03:37 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2020
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License plate: REAL LC
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Ohio