Lexus LX vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
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 LX starts from $172,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class opens at $244,900. That makes the Lexus LX the more affordable entry point by $72,000.
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 $190,190 and $269,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz G-Class by roughly $1,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz G-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus LX packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus LX and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus LX features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus LX stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Mark Levinson audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus LX uses a Petrol producing 305kW and 650Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class responds with a Diesel making 210kW and 600Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The Lexus LX has the clear power advantage at 305kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus LX is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus LX measures 5,095mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 471mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 4,624mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 487L in the Lexus LX and 688L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a 201L advantage. The Lexus LX seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class 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.
12.6m to 13.0m
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.0m 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 $3,819/year for the Lexus LX and $3,449/year for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Estimated annual total: $3,819 (Lexus LX) vs $3,449 (Mercedes-Benz G-Class). The Mercedes-Benz G-Class saves you roughly $370 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus LX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz G-Class). The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus LX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus LX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz G-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class will save you roughly $370 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a clear edge. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz G-Class?
The Lexus LX is the cheapest at $172,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz G-Class by $72,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class uses the least fuel at 12.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz G-Class 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 G-Class has the largest boot at 688L.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus LX has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus LX makes the most power at 305kW. The Lexus LX is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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