VS
At a Glance
Power
173kW@3200
150 engine kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
320 Nm
Fuel
6.3L/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
2000kg
2400 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.8s
7.8 s
Engine
3456cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the Lexus RX and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Lexus RX delivers 173kW@3200 while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 150 engine kW. On fuel, the RX returns 6.3L/100km while the GLC uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R801 200 for the RX and R1 135 189 for the GLC. 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 RX450h F-Sport 2012 - From R801 200
Mercedes-Benz GLC200 4matic AMG 2026 - From R1 135 189
Performance
Power Output
173kW@3200
150 engine kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
320 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8s
7.8 s
Top Speed
200km/h
221 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3456cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
-
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3L/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.6L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65L
62 l
CO2 Emissions
148g/km
167 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4770mm
4716 mm
Width
-1885mm
1890-2076 mm
Height
1690mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2740mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
175mm
—
Kerb Weight
-
1835 DIN / 1910 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
2400 Kg
Load Capacity
825kg
600 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
10
7
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
✗
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
48
2
Warranty Distance
100000km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Lexus RX
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
Better fuel economy (6.3L/100km)
Lower starting price (R801 200)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or GLC?
The RX uses 6.3L/100km and the GLC uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The RX 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 RX or GLC?
The RX produces 173kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque while the GLC delivers 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque. The RX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RX and GLC?
The RX starts from R801 200 and the GLC from R1 135 189. The RX is cheaper by R333 989 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RX or GLC?
The RX has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg and the GLC can tow 2400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RX or the GLC?
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.