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.
Price Breakdown
The Lexus GX starts from $119,950 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the Lexus GX the more affordable entry point by $8,950.
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 $141,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLE by roughly $4,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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 Lexus GX stands out with ventilated seats that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLE. 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.
Drivetrain
The Lexus GX uses a Petrol producing 262kW 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 Diesel making 195kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Lexus GX has the clear power advantage at 262kW vs 195kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus GX is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus GX measures 4,955mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 31mm 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.
12.0m to 12.1m
Based on 12.0m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,850/year for the Lexus GX and $1,881/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That is a $969 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $2,850 (Lexus GX) vs $1,881 (Mercedes-Benz GLE). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $969 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
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, prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus GX takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $969 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 $8,950.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus GX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the largest boot at 630L.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus GX has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus GX makes the most power at 262kW. The Lexus GX is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
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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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