Lexus LM vs Mercedes-Benz R-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular People Movers 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 27 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker 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.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 6 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$160,888RRP
- no option data for this car
No price
- no option data for this car
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.
Track the Lexus LM & Mercedes-Benz R-Class
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Lexus LM
- REC-006391 · published 22 Jul 2025Due to a software programming issue, a memory device in the Combination Meter may deteriorate over time.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
- REC-005438 · published 17 May 2022The sealing of the brake booster may reduce due to corrosion.Year range on the notice: 2005 - 2013
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Lexus LM stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus LM uses a 2.5L Petrol-Electric Hybrid (A25A-FXS) producing 184kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class responds with a Diesel making 195kW and 620Nm, paired to a 7g-tronic 7-speed automatic driving all four wheels.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class has the clear power advantage at 195kW vs 184kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.2 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,568/year for the Lexus LM and $2,423/year for the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LM.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus LM if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz R-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (64 vs 50). The Lexus LM and Mercedes-Benz R-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Lexus LM will save you roughly $855 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus LM and Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
The Lexus LM is the cheapest at $160,888 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LM uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Lexus LM and Mercedes-Benz R-Class carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class makes the most power at 195kW.
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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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