VS
At a Glance
Power
225 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
700 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
6.1 s
Engine
3346 cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the Lexus LX and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Lexus LX delivers 225 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the LX returns 8.3 l/100km while the GLS uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 708 300 for the LX and R2 368 818 for the GLS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Lexus LX500d Overtrail 2025 - From R2 708 300
Mercedes-Benz GLS450d 4matic (mild Hybrid) 2024 - From R2 368 818
Performance
Power Output
225 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
700 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
—
6.1 s
Top Speed
210 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3346 cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
10
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 + 30 (total 110) l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
220 g/km
206 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5100 mm
5207 mm
Width
1990 mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1895 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance
205 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2680 Kg
2615 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
7
Load Volume
140 l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
685 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
2
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
10000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLS
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLS
Fuel Economy
GLS
Value
GLS
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Lexus LX
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (225 kW vs 270 engine kW)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLS
More powerful engine (270 engine kW)
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 368 818)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the LX or GLS?
The LX uses 8.3 l/100km and the GLS uses 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLS is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the LX or GLS?
The LX produces 225 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The GLS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the LX and GLS?
The LX starts from R2 708 300 and the GLS from R2 368 818. The GLS is cheaper by R339 482 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the LX or GLS?
The LX has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the GLS can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the LX or the GLS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.