Lexus RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Lexus RX starts from $90,350 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $450.

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 $99,385 and $98,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Lexus RX and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

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

The Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus RX stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 221Nm 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 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus RX measures 4,890mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 174mm longer 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 612L in the Lexus RX and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Lexus RX a 12L 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.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Lexus RX and $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.

Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Lexus RX) vs $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Mercedes-Benz GLC has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.