Lexus GX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 15 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$119,950RRP
- no option data for this car
$199,900RRP
- with the Lexus GX's standard kit: $199,900 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus GX starts from $119,950 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $199,900. That makes the Lexus GX the more affordable entry point by $79,950.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $131,945 and $219,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLE by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Lexus GX. ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz GLE a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Lexus GX
- REC-006617 · published 3 Jun 2026Due to a software error, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the visual engine oil pressure light, engine coolant temperature, electrical charge, and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006478 · published 11 Nov 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, there is a possibility of engine machining debris contamination within the engine.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006303 · published 5 Mar 2025Due to an error in the fitting instructions for the optional accessory Electric Brake Controller, the Lower Driver’s Airbag Assembly (removed during accessory fitment) may have been reinstalled using the incorrect torque.Year range on the notice: 2024
Mercedes-Benz GLE
- REC-006362 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the multi-purpose camera and/or the interior rear-view mirror on the windscreen may not have been bonded correctly and could detach.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005948 · published 11 Apr 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the threaded nut securing the 48 Volt wiring harness under the driver seat may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2022
- REC-005922 · published 20 Mar 2024Due to a software issue in the transmission control module, the transmission may not downshift under certain conditions and could result in a sudden loss of engine power.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- 26 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus GX features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with panoramic roof, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus GX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Lexus GX and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Drivetrain
The Lexus GX uses a Petrol producing 260kW and 650Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed auto to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Petrol making 320kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 260kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz GLE is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus GX measures 5,015mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 91mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 390L in the Lexus GX and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 240L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.8m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,506/year for the Lexus GX and $2,879/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus GX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus GX if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz GLE: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 62, but the Lexus GX is $79,950 cheaper
The Mercedes-Benz GLE comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 62), taking 4 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 20), performance (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 16), practicality (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 11). The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus GX and Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Lexus GX is the cheapest at $119,950 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $79,950.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Mercedes-Benz GLE, and ANCAP's published ratings include no record for Lexus GX, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the largest boot at 630L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus GX has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE makes the most power at 320kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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