Lexus NX vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
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 Lexus NX starts from $59,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $30,000.
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 $65,890 and $98,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
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 8 in the Lexus NX and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus NX features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with head-up display and panoramic roof that the Lexus NX does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus NX uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 152kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 56mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 80L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 350kg 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 11.9m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m 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 $1,739/year for the Lexus NX and $2,309/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Lexus NX) vs $2,309 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Lexus NX saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Mercedes-Benz GLC has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus NX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus NX will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a clear edge. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 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, Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The Lexus NX is the cheapest at $59,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by $30,000.
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 — Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 GLC has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus NX makes the most power at 152kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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