Mercedes-Benz GLE 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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $128,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LX opens at $172,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLE the more affordable entry point by $44,000.
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 $190,190 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLE by roughly $8,550 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 GLE.
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 LX.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 GLE stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the Lexus LX. The Lexus LX counters with ventilated seats and Mark Levinson audio. 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 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 195kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus LX 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 GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 171mm shorter than the Lexus LX at 5,095mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 487L in the Lexus LX, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 143L 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.6m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m 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 $3,819/year for the Lexus LX. That is a $1,710 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs $3,819 (Lexus LX). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $1,710 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 LX). The Mercedes-Benz GLE has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus LX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, 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 prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLE takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $1,710 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 LX?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the cheapest at $128,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LX by $44,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLE and Lexus LX 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 Lexus LX makes the most power at 305kW. The Lexus LX is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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