VS
At a Glance
Power
183kW@3200
162 kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
440 Nm
Fuel
6.3L/100km
5.2 l/100km
Towing
2000kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.8s
8.0 s
Engine
3456cc
1993 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 183kW@3200 while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 162 kW. On fuel, the RX returns 6.3L/100km while the GLC uses 5.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R814 900 for the RX and R1 278 902 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 SE 2012 - From R814 900
Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4matic AMG 2026 - From R1 278 902
Performance
Power Output
183kW@3200
162 kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
440 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8s
8.0 s
Top Speed
200km/h
219 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3456cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
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
5.2 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.6L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65L
62 l
CO2 Emissions
148g/km
130 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
-
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
825kg
550 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
RX
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
Lower starting price (R814 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
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 5.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLC 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 183kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque while the GLC delivers 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque. The RX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RX and GLC?
The RX starts from R814 900 and the GLC from R1 278 902. The RX is cheaper by R464 002 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 2500 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.