Lexus RZ vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Lexus RZ starts from $84,500 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Lexus RZ the more affordable entry point by $5,400.

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 $92,950 and $98,890 respectively.

The Lexus RZ qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLC, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Lexus RZ and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Lexus RZ and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLC packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Lexus RZ.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Lexus RZ features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 RZ stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, V2L and Mark Levinson audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus RZ uses a Electric Motor producing 280kW and 538Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 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 RZ has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RZ is 3.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus RZ measures 4,805mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 89mm 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 522L in the Lexus RZ and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 78L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RZ) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Both match on warranty length.