Compare the2024 Lexus RZVS 2023 Mercedes EQS SUV

Both the RZ and the EQS SUV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, 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.

The Lexus RZ achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The EQS SUV has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RZ 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the EQS SUV. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the EQS SUV ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The RZ’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the EQS SUV’s (6 vs. 5 years).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RZ’s reliability 20 points higher than the EQS SUV.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 29th.

As tested in Motor Trend the RZ 450e electric motors is faster than the EQS SUV 450+ electric motor:

On the EPA test cycle the RZ gets better mileage than the EQS SUV:

For better maneuverability, the RZ’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the EQS SUV’s (36.8 feet vs. 39 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RZ has a greater minimum ground clearance than the EQS SUV (7.9 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the RZ to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Lexus RZ may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1600 to 1700 pounds less than the Mercedes EQS SUV.

The RZ is 1 foot shorter than the EQS SUV, making the RZ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The RZ uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The EQS SUV doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The RZ has a much larger cargo volume than the EQS SUV with its rear seat up (34.9 vs. 22.7 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 48% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RZ offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The EQS SUV doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The RZ has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the EQS SUV.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus RZ, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes EQS SUV isn't recommended.