Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Lexus RX

The Mercedes-Benz GLC starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $84,900. That makes the Lexus RX the more affordable entry point by $5,000.

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 $98,890 and $93,390 respectively.

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

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

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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 8 in the Lexus RX.

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

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

The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.

The Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4,716mm long on a 2,888mm wheelbase, 174mm shorter than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 612L in the Lexus RX, 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 $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and $1,967/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.

Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs $1,967 (Lexus RX). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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