Lexus RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus RX starts from $90,350 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the Lexus RX the more affordable entry point by $38,550.
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 $141,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus RX by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLE hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLE packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Lexus RX.
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 GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus RX misses.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus RX stands out with ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 184kW 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 GLE responds with a Diesel making 198kW and 550Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 198kW vs 184kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus RX measures 4,890mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 34mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 612L in the Lexus RX and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 18L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.1m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Lexus RX and $1,881/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Lexus RX) vs $1,881 (Mercedes-Benz GLE). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $342 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 GLE). The Mercedes-Benz GLE has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RX if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLE takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus RX will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 RX and Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Lexus RX is the cheapest at $90,350 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $38,550.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 GLE has the largest boot at 630L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE makes the most power at 198kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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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