Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Lexus LX
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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 25 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$199,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$167,700RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class's standard kit: $167,700 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LX opens at $167,700. That makes the Lexus LX the more affordable entry point by $32,200.
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 $219,890 and $184,470 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by roughly $5,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
- REC-006362 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the multi-purpose camera and/or the interior rear-view mirror on the windscreen may not have been bonded correctly and could detach.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005922 · published 20 Mar 2024Due to a software issue in the transmission control module, the transmission may not downshift under certain conditions and could result in a sudden loss of engine power.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
- REC-005747 · published 8 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel delivery unit may fail causing the fuel pump to switch off.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 7 more on the model page.
Lexus LX
- REC-006550 · published 26 Feb 2026Due to a Transmission Control Module (TCM) programming issue, the transmission may rev faster than intended causing a loss of motive power and transmission fluid to leak.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006478 · published 11 Nov 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, there is a possibility of engine machining debris contamination within the engine.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-005414 · published 26 Apr 2022Due to a software issue, the multi-media system may display video images while driving.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus LX gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class stands out with Burmester audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus LX. The Lexus LX counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the Lexus LX offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses a Petrol producing 270kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Lexus LX responds with a Petrol making 305kW and 650Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Lexus LX has the clear power advantage at 305kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class measures 5,215mm long on a 3,135mm wheelbase, 115mm longer than the Lexus LX at 5,100mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 355L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 487L in the Lexus LX, giving the Lexus LX a 132L advantage.
For towing, the Lexus LX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,700kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 12.8m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m 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 $2,223/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and $3,392/year for the Lexus LX. That is a $1,169 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus LX). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus LX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 66 vs 60, but the Lexus LX is $32,200 cheaper
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (66 vs 60), taking 3 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ahead by 37), practicality (Lexus LX ahead by 13), value (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ahead by 12). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class will save you roughly $1,169 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus LX has a clear edge. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 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, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Lexus LX?
The Lexus LX is the cheapest at $167,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by $32,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Lexus LX carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus LX has the largest boot at 487L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus LX has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus LX makes the most power at 305kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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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