Compare the2026 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2026 Lexus LX

The G-Class’ pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The LX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the G-Class and the LX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 57 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the G-Class’ warranty.

The G-Class has more powerful engines than the LX:

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes G-Class is faster than the LX 700h 3.4 turbo V6 hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the G-Class running on electricity gets better mileage than the LX:

The G 580 can travel with zero emissions for 239 miles. The LX can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the G-Class AMG 63’s fuel efficiency. The LX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the G-Class’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Lexus only offers a regenerative brake system on the LX 700h.

The G-Class has 8.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the LX 700h’s standard fuel tank (26.4 vs. 17.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The G-Class has 5.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the LX 600’s standard fuel tank (26.4 vs. 21.1 gallons).

The G-Class AMG 63’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The LX doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the AMG G 63’s brake rotors are larger than those on the LX:

The G-Class stops much shorter than the LX:

For better traction, the G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the LX (295/40R22 vs. 265/55R20).

The G-Class’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LX 700h Overtrail’s standard 70 series tires. The G-Class’ optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the LX’s optional 50 series tires.

The G-Class has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the G-Class flat and controlled during cornering. The LX base model’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The G-Class AMG 63 offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The LX doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The AMG G 63 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Lexus doesn’t offer an active suspension on the LX.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the G-Class’ wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer than on the LX (113.8 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

The G 580 handles at .80 G’s, while the LX 600 F Sport Handling pulls only .75 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The G 580 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 3.4 seconds quicker than the LX 700h Overtrail (26 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 29.4 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a 1.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the LX (9.5 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The G 580’s minimum ground clearance is 1.7 inches higher than on the LX Luxury/Ultra Luxury/F Sport (9.8 vs. 8.1 inches).

The G 550 is 1 foot, 6.5 inches shorter than the LX, making the G-Class easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the LX with its rear seat up (37.4 vs. 11 cubic feet). The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the LX with its rear seat folded (68.6 vs. 64 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the G-Class easier. The G-Class’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.3 inches, while the LX 700h Overtrail’s liftover is 31 inches. The LX’s liftover is 31.6 inches.

The G-Class’ standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The LX Ultra Luxury doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The G-Class 580 can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the G-Class can be unhitched and driven around locally. The LX can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The G-Class has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the LX (1576 vs. 1285 lbs.).

The LX’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The G-Class’ standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Mercedes G-Class outsold the Lexus LX by 50% during 2024.