Lexus NX vs Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022) and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at 5 stars (2023). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2023). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 87% for the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, against 6 on the Lexus NX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with Mark Levinson audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV counters with panoramic roof and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV offers artico man-made leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Lexus NX and 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

Drivetrain

The Lexus NX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV responds with a Electric making 180kW and 550Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV has the clear power advantage at 180kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 203mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at 4,863mm (3,030mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 520L in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Fold the rears and you get 1141L vs 1675L.

For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 750kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Lexus NX's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 11.4 m against 12.3 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km) and electricity for the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV about $859 a year (17.9 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV). Capped-price servicing: 4 years (Lexus NX), 5 years (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV).

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $134,900) and the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 750kg).

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: more power (180kW against 179kW).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 70

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Lexus NX ahead by 22 points), performance (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV ahead by 15 points).

Common questions