VS
At a Glance
Power
183kW@3200
215 kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
550 Nm
Fuel
6.3
5.5 l/100km
Towing
2000
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.8
6.4 s
Engine
3456
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 183kW@3200 while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 215 kW. On fuel, the RX returns 6.3 while the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R814 900 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
183kW@3200
215 kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
550 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8
6.4 s
Top Speed
200
249 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3456
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
6.3
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.6
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
62 l
CO2 Emissions
148
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4770
4764 mm
Width
-1885
1890-2075 mm
Height
1690
1605 mm
Wheelbase
2740
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
175
—
Kerb Weight
—
1970 DIN / 2045 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
545 - 1490 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
825
525 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ 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
✗
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
100000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
RX
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
LEXUS RX
Lower starting price (R814 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.4 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or GLC?
The RX uses 6.3 and the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLC 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 183kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque while the GLC delivers 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RX and GLC?
The RX starts from R814 900 and the GLC from R1 504 130. The RX is cheaper by R689 230 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 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.