Compare the2026 Lexus RZVS 2025 Mercedes EQS SUV

The Lexus RZ has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The EQS SUV doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Lexus RZ’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mercedes EQS SUV does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the RZ and the EQS SUV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear 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, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

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 27 points higher than the EQS SUV.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 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 first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 44 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 21st, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 103 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 28th.

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

For greater off-road capability the RZ has a greater minimum ground clearance than the EQS SUV (7.9 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the RZ to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The RZ’s minimum ground clearance is .1 inch higher than on the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC (7.9 vs. 7.8 inches).

The Lexus RZ may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1750 to 2000 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 is 5.5 inches narrower than the EQS SUV, making the RZ easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

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 (34.1 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 second in service department satisfaction. With a 26% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 14th.

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.

The RZ is equipped with both FM and AM stereo radios, offering access to more content and better coverage than the EQS SUV, which solely provides FM radio. With AM radio, you can enjoy a wider variety of stations featuring news, talk shows, sports commentary, native language programing, automated traffic guidance, and emergency broadcasts. AM waves travel further and penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively than FM signals, especially at night. Having both FM and AM stereo radios the RZ offers a more comprehensive listening experience compared to only FM in the EQS SUV.

HD Radio boasts several benefits over conventional radio: superior sound quality with clearer and consistent FM broadcasts, CD-quality audio, and Multicast Channels offering up to four streams from a single station, adding programming choices. Cars like the RZ equipped with HD Radio provide an improved in-car entertainment experience. The EQS SUV, devoid of this technology, foregoes these benefits. Selecting the Lexus RZ empowers drivers to enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go.

The RZ has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The EQS SUV doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Lexus RZ outsold the Mercedes EQS SUV by 42% during 2024.