VS
At a Glance
Power
280 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
537 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
16.6 kWh/100km l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
750 Kg
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.6 s
5.6 s
Engine
electric cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the Lexus RZ and the Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus RZ delivers 280 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLE produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the RZ returns 16.6 kWh/100km l/100km while the GLE uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 665 900 for the RZ and R1 974 997 for the GLE. 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
280 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
537 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6 s
5.6 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
6
Fuel Type
electric
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
16.6 kWh/100km l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
74.6 kWh l
85 l
CO2 Emissions
—
194 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4805 mm
4924 mm
Width
1895 mm
1999-2157 mm
Height
1635 mm
1797 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
200 mm
—
Kerb Weight
2100 Kg
2350 DIN / 2425 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
522 l
630-2055 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
—
685 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
9
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
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 battery
2
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RZ
Fuel Economy
GLE
Value
RZ
Practicality
GLE
Pros & Cons
Lexus RZ
More powerful engine (280 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 665 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (16.6 kWh/100km l/100km)
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2700 Kg)
Less power than rival (270 engine kW vs 280 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RZ or GLE?
The RZ uses 16.6 kWh/100km l/100km and the GLE uses 7.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLE 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 RZ or GLE?
The RZ produces 280 kW and 537 Nm of torque while the GLE delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The RZ is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RZ and GLE?
The RZ starts from R1 665 900 and the GLE from R1 974 997. The RZ is cheaper by R309 097 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RZ or GLE?
The RZ has a braked towing capacity of 750 Kg and the GLE can tow 2700 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RZ or the GLE?
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.