VS
At a Glance
Power
179 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
239+e Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
5.0 combined l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
2400 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.7 s
7.8 s
Engine
2494 cc
1999 cc
Choosing between the Lexus NX and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus NX delivers 179 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 150 engine kW. On fuel, the NX returns 5.0 combined l/100km while the GLC uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 235 600 for the NX and R1 059 939 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.
Performance
Power Output
179 kW
150 engine kW
Torque
239+e Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
7.7 s
7.8 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
221 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
1999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.0 combined l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
114 combined g/km
167 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4660 mm
4716 mm
Width
1865 mm
1890-2076 mm
Height
1670 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
195 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1790-1870 Kg
1835 DIN / 1910 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
520 l
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
2400 Kg
Load Capacity
—
600 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
2
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
NX
Fuel Economy
NX
Value
GLC
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Lexus NX
More powerful engine (179 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.0 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Lower starting price (R1 059 939)
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (150 engine kW vs 179 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the NX or GLC?
The NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km and the GLC uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The NX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the NX or GLC?
The NX produces 179 kW and 239+e Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque. The NX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the NX and GLC?
The NX starts from R1 235 600 and the GLC from R1 059 939. The GLC is cheaper by R175 661 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the NX or GLC?
The NX has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the GLC can tow 2400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the NX 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.