Compare the2023 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2023 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, 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 550’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 7 more horsepower (416 vs. 409) than the LX’s 3.4 turbo V6. The AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 168 more horsepower (577 vs. 409) and 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 479) than the LX’s 3.4 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the AMG G 63 is faster than the Lexus LX:

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

The G-Class has 5.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the LX (26.4 vs. 21.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the G-Class’ front brake rotors are larger than those on the LX:

The G-Class stops much shorter than the LX:

For better traction, the G-Class has larger standard tires than the LX (275/55R19 vs. 265/55R20). The G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the LX (295/40R22 vs. 265/55R20).

The G 550’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LX Premium/Luxury’s 65 series tires. The G-Class’ optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the LX’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the G 550 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the LX Premium/Luxury.

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.

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).

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a 1.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the LX Base/Premium (9.5 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The G-Class’ minimum ground clearance is 1.2 inches higher than on the LX Luxury/Ultra Luxury/F Sport (9.5 vs. 8.3 inches).

The G 550 is 10.8 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 (38.1 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 600 Ultra Luxury’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 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 G-Class offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the LX.

The G-Class’ Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The LX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Mercedes G-Class outsold the Lexus LX by almost two to one during 2022.