2025 Lexus LX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$106,000 · SUV

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial divergence between the 2025 Lexus LX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the $15,750 MSRP difference, with the GLS starting at $90,250 compared to the LX's $106,000. Performance metrics favor the Lexus, which boasts 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque versus the GLS's 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, fuel economy leans toward the Mercedes, achieving a combined 21 MPG against the Lexus's 19 MPG, utilizing premium unleaded in both cases. The GLS also offers superior utility with 17.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly eclipsing the LX’s 11 cu ft. While the LX is 4.5 inches shorter in length (200.5 vs 205.0 inches), it is substantially taller at 74.2 inches compared to the GLS's 71.8 inches, suggesting differing design philosophies regarding interior volume distribution.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is superior for commuting due to its slightly better 21 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS offers substantially more usable space with 17.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the LX's 11 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus LX

The 2025 Lexus LX provides higher outright power figures with 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS undercuts the Lexus by $15,750 while still providing AWD capability and better MPG.

Choose the Lexus LX if...

Maximum engine output is paramount, given the LX's 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.
A traditional, tall SUV stance is preferred, evidenced by the LX's 74.2-inch height.
The dedicated four-wheel drive system is a specific requirement over the GLS's all-wheel drive.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Maximizing cargo volume is necessary, as the GLS provides 17.4 cu ft versus the LX's 11 cu ft.
Achieving the highest possible fuel efficiency (21 combined MPG) is critical for long-term running costs.
A lower initial purchase price is prioritized, saving $15,750 off the sticker price compared to the LX.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus LX	Mercedes-Benz GLS
Length	200.5"	205.0"
Width	78.3"	79.9"
Height	74.2"	71.8"
Wheelbase	112.2"	123.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.4 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	409 hp @ 5200 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	479 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	Full Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
Center Differential Type	Locking	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	17/22 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.7/464.2 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.1 gal.	23.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cooled Storage Compartment	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	13
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Stereo Power	—	590W
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.4 in.	59.3 in.
Front Hip Room	59.6 in.	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.9 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.8 in.	60.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	315/40R21
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	21 x 11.0 in.

Suspension

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus LX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

How does the drivetrain capability differ between the two models?

The 2025 Lexus LX comes standard with a robust four-wheel drive system, indicating potentially more dedicated off-road hardware. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS features an all-wheel drive system, which is typically optimized more for on-road performance and adverse weather conditions.

Which vehicle offers more raw power output?

The Lexus LX clearly leads in performance metrics, delivering 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque from its powertrain. The Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, representing a 34 hp deficit.

Are the physical dimensions significantly different for parking?

Yes, the GLS is 4.5 inches longer overall (205.0 inches vs 200.5 inches), which could impact garage fitting. However, the LX is notably taller at 74.2 inches compared to the GLS’s 71.8 inches.

What is the impact of the difference in MPG ratings?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS achieves 21 combined MPG versus the Lexus LX’s 19 combined MPG, a 2 MPG advantage for the GLS. Since both require premium unleaded fuel, the GLS will exhibit lower recurring operational expenses.

Is the interior cargo space comparable between these luxury SUVs?

No, cargo capacity shows a large discrepancy; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offers 17.4 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2025 Lexus LX is substantially more restrictive with only 11 cu ft available in the same configuration.

How do the transmissions compare in specifications?

The Lexus LX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its power delivery. The Mercedes-Benz GLS is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.