The Lexus That Makes A Mercedes Feel Like An Expensive Choice

8 minutes reading

Thursday, 1 Oct 2026 12:00 0 7 autotech

Mercedes-Benz has the ability to make anything else in the market feel less expensive. So, it’s pretty easy to say that there’s a Lexus out there that can make a Mercedes feel like the expensive option. The mid-size luxury SUV segment isn’t nearly as popular as the compact luxury segment as they tend to be more expensive not only from an upfront cost perspective, but also end up losing more value later on. However, that doesn’t mean that you should discount these completely, as they offer more occupant space and cargo space in general.

The Base Model Is A Decent Bet

static rear 3/4 studio shot of Lexus RX 450h+

Lexus

The 2026 Lexus RX 350 has a base MSRP value of $52,775. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a far, far steeper price tag with a starting MSRP of a whopping $69,850. That’s also $5,000 more than the 2026 model as the 2027 has received a substantial refresh inside and out. The 2027 Lexus RX 350 pricing has not been announced. The pricing difference between the two models is an incredible $17,075. You could buy a decently priced older Mercedes or Lexus for the price difference between these new vehicles. Lexus includes standard features out of the gate that are only optional on the GLE, which ends up making the GLE more expensive as well.

The Standard Equipment

Price Gaps At The Lot

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 rear 3/4 shot parked

We’ve already talked about pricing for the base model, but what does building one specifically look like, and what does a well-equipped mid-tier model look like, price-wise? There are good and bad sides to the many packages and trims that you can choose from in the Mercedes-Benz GLE. However, it can often get confusing, and you might end up choosing something you don’t want.

The good side of that is that you can have a nearly bespoke model by the time you’re done building it. The 2026 model is no longer able to be built on Mercedes-Benz’s website, but a 2026 model that is decently equipped can be between $70,000 to $75,000. For the Lexus, on the other hand, even with a few packages, you’re still going to be able to get it under $70,000. This includes the premium Mark Levinson sound system.

Ownership Costs And Long-term Care

Front 3/4 of Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury driving

Here’s the reality of owning a luxury SUV. Even though the Lexus shares the same parts with the standard Toyota brand, it still ends up being slightly more than the current Toyota brand itself. Where this ends up paying for itself is in the long-standing trial and error that Toyota has applied to its powertrains, as well as the lower cost to maintain them.

On the flip side, many German SUVs are turned in after their lease ends and don’t have the best warranties to back them up. From a product perspective, the Lexus RX shares the same TNGA-K platform with the rest of their global lineup. This ensures longevity and maintenance ease.

Lexus Maintenance Vs. German Luxury Maintenance

Grey Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 AMG On The Move

According to RepairPal’s routine, annual maintenance for a Lexus RX 350 is going to cost you around $550. On the flip side, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 averages between $1,100 and $1,300 annually. This not only includes routine maintenance but also replacing necessary components. Another good quality to sharing maintenance parts with Toyota is that they do not come with a 40 to 60 percent price premium like Mercedes-Benz does. Mercedes-Benz uses specialty engines and parts, meaning you cannot use just any oil in the engine, for example.

Value Retentions Like No Other

Front 3/4 shot of Lexus RX 450h+ parked in a driveway

The Lexus RX 350 ends up winning the depreciation curve as well. According to iSeeCars.com, the Lexus RX 350 is at the top of its segment when it comes to retention, as it retains 55 to 60 percent of the original value after five years. This is huge, but it also makes sense because these are some of the most sought-after luxury SUVs on the market. The Mercedes, on the other hand, experiences a similar percentage, but on the depreciation side, losing between 50 and 58 percent of the original MSRP within the same five-year period. It’s a harder cost proposition to buy these used as people don’t want to spend the money on the maintenance.

Daily Usability Mixed With Performance

static profile studio shot of Lexus RX 450h+

Lexus

The serious differences come into play when it comes to the actual driving capability and the overall capability of both of these vehicles. Part of the reason the Lexus RX is so popular is not only because it is a better value proposition, but also because it is a comfy, cushy ride that requires light steering effort and effortless cruising. The Mercedes GLE offers similar handling but has a heavier chassis feel, better damping for highway driving, and can tow up to 7700 pounds. Whereas the American market has dedicated pickup trucks for heavy-duty capabilities, the EU market relies more on their SUVs and station wagons.

Turbocharged And Hybrids Vs. The GLE’s Options

Close-up shot of 2022 Lexus RX 450h wheel

The base models end up having similar powertrains as the Lexus RX 350. It is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine that outputs 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with available all-wheel drive, but front-wheel drive is standard.

Unlike the Lexus RX, the base GLE is rear-wheel drive standard, but you can also choose an option for all-wheel-drive. The main difference between these two powertrains, though, is the 48 V mild hybrid assist that comes with the turbocharged 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. This actually makes less power than the Lexus, with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It somehow ends up being faster, though, with a zero to 60 mph time of 7.0 seconds compared to the Lexus’s 7.2 seconds.

A Quiet, Comfortable Cabin

Here’s what the Lexus uses in order to quiet the cabin and offer this famous plush ride: double sealed doors, floor pan, sound insulation, as well as acoustic laminated front glass. This ends up costing extra on the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Lexus also delivers a comfortable ride thanks to a multi-link rear suspension that is soft-tuned, providing a plush ride with 19-inch wheels.

Interior And Featured Tech

We are currently in the screen-galore era of the automotive industry. The Lexus RX actually comes with two different screen sizes: a 9.8-inch standard screen that sits in the same housing as the 14-inch option, which ends up looking a little cheap. The Mercedes-Benz gives you two 12.3-inch displays and customizable 64-color ambient lighting. The Lexus focuses more on the sporty side of things on the interior, whereas the Mercedes-Benz ends up cosseting you on the interior. The Mercedes-Benz also includes high-gloss piano black plastics and MB-Tex synthetic leather, but Nappa leather is optional.

Interior Designs

Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury close up of front seat

Both models actually align in that they come with HVAC controls that are physical buttons. Granted, the Lexus has fewer buttons, but it still has a tactile temperature knob, which is better than nothing. Lexus uses their driver-centric “Tazuna” cockpit layout that gives the center console a driver-tilted layout. The Mercedes-Benz gives more of a “this interior is for everyone” feel.

Lexus UI Vs. MBUX

Some have found the Mercedes-Benz MBUX system confusing because it uses a multi-layered menu structure that is difficult to navigate. One of its most defining features, however, is the augmented reality navigation that can be used for a neat party trick. Lexus’s UI is straightforward, as it’s nearly identical to Toyota’s offering, with everything you need pinned at the bottom of the screen. We’re not saying that the Lexus RX 350 is the better bet, but we are saying it’s a cheaper one.