Lexus NX vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Lexus NX, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

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.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.

The Lexus NX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and Mark Levinson audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 0.5s 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, 56mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 80L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg 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 0.5 m tighter, 11.4 m against 11.9 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 fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $713 a year less for the Lexus NX.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Capped-price servicing: 4 years (Lexus NX), no data (Mercedes-Benz GLC).

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $89,900), more power (179kW against 150kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $2,138).

The Mercedes-Benz GLC: the bigger boot with the seats up (600L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Level: here's what splits them

The Lexus NX (79) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (62) are too close to call on the figures we hold. What splits them: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 23 points), value (Lexus NX ahead by 18 points), reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 8 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $713 less (5 L/100km against 7.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Lexus NX, 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Common questions