VS
At a Glance
Power
273 kW
215 kW
Torque
460+e Nm
550 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.2 s
6.3 s
Engine
2393 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 273 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 215 kW. On fuel, the RX returns 6.5 l/100km while the GLC uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 797 900 for the RX and R1 347 055 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
273 kW
215 kW
Torque
460+e Nm
550 Nm
0-100 kph
6.2 s
6.3 s
Top Speed
210 Km/h
243 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2393 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
62 l
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4890 mm
4716 mm
Width
1920 mm
1890-2076 mm
Height
1695 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
183 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
612 l
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
545 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ 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
Mercedes-Benz GLC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
GLC
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
More powerful engine (273 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.2 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 347 055)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Less power than rival (215 kW vs 273 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or GLC?
The RX uses 6.5 l/100km 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 273 kW and 460+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 797 900 and the GLC from R1 347 055. The GLC is cheaper by R450 845 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.