VS
At a Glance
Power
227 kW
215 kW
Torque
227+e Nm
550 Nm
Fuel
1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.5 s
6.4 s
Engine
2494 cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the Lexus RX and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus RX delivers 227 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 215 kW. On fuel, the RX returns 1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km while the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 700 400 for the RX and R1 504 130 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
227 kW
215 kW
Torque
227+e Nm
550 Nm
0-100 kph
6.5 s
6.4 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
249 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
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
1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
29 when hybrid battery charged g/km
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4890 mm
4764 mm
Width
1920 mm
1890-2075 mm
Height
1695 mm
1605 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
182 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2200 Kg
1970 DIN / 2045 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
612 l
545 - 1490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
525 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
10
6
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
RX
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
GLC
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
More powerful engine (227 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Lower starting price (R1 504 130)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (5.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (215 kW vs 227 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or GLC?
The RX uses 1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km and the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The RX 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 RX or GLC?
The RX produces 227 kW and 227+e Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The RX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RX and GLC?
The RX starts from R1 700 400 and the GLC from R1 504 130. The GLC is cheaper by R196 270 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 2000 Kg 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.