Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Lexus NX
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $128,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $59,900. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $69,000.
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 $141,790 and $65,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $1,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Lexus NX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 91% for the Lexus NX.
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 NX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 8 in the Lexus NX. The Mercedes-Benz GLE adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus NX misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus NX gets a 14-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats and Burmester audio that you will not find on the Lexus NX. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses a Diesel producing 195kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The Lexus NX responds with a Petrol making 152kW and 243Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 195kW vs 152kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 264mm longer than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 110L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 1,850kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and $1,739/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs $1,739 (Lexus NX). The Lexus NX saves you roughly $370 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX). The Mercedes-Benz GLE has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus NX).
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Lexus NX if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLE takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus NX will save you roughly $370 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a clear edge. 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, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Lexus NX?
The Lexus NX is the cheapest at $59,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $69,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus NX uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLE and Lexus NX 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 / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE makes the most power at 195kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLE is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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