Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Lexus LX

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LX opens at $172,900. That makes the Lexus LX the more affordable entry point by $27,000.

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 $219,890 and $190,190 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by roughly $4,130 in fuel alone.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Lexus LX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus LX packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

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

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus LX gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on 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.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses a Petrol producing 270kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.

The Lexus LX responds with a Petrol making 305kW and 650Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The Lexus LX has the clear power advantage at 305kW vs 270kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class measures 5,207mm long on a 3,135mm wheelbase, 112mm longer than the Lexus LX at 5,095mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 487L in the Lexus LX, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a 193L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus LX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,993/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and $3,819/year for the Lexus LX. That is a $826 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs $3,819 (Lexus LX). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class saves you roughly $826 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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).