VS
At a Glance
Power
270kW@5600
380 engine kW
Torque
530Nm@3600
730 Nm
Fuel
14.8L/100km
13.7 l/100km
Towing
3500kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.3s
4.9 s
Engine
5663cc
3982 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 270kW@5600 while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 380 engine kW. On fuel, the LX returns 14.8L/100km while the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 164 800 for the LX and R2 972 800 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 LX570 AERO 2010 - From R1 164 800
Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4matic (mild Hybrid) 2024 - From R2 972 800
Performance
Power Output
270kW@5600
380 engine kW
Torque
530Nm@3600
730 Nm
0-100 kph
7.3s
4.9 s
Top Speed
220km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5663cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
14.8L/100km
13.7 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
93L
90 l
CO2 Emissions
350g/km
310 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4990mm
5207 mm
Width
1970mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1920mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2850mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance
225mm
—
Kerb Weight
2740kg
2640 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
8
7
Load Volume
—
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1276kg
660 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
12
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
48
2
Warranty Distance
100000km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
10000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLS
Fuel Economy
GLS
Value
LX
Practicality
LX
Pros & Cons
Lexus LX
Lower starting price (R1 164 800)
Higher fuel consumption (14.8L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Better fuel economy (13.7 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the LX or GLS?
The LX uses 14.8L/100km and the GLS uses 13.7 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 270kW@5600 and 530Nm@3600 of torque while the GLS delivers 380 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque. The GLS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the LX and GLS?
The LX starts from R1 164 800 and the GLS from R2 972 800. The LX is cheaper by R1 808 000 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 3500kg 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.