Lexus LX500D vs Mercedes-AMG GLC63

What's the difference?

The Lexus LX range has undergone significant updates across the board and the carmaker has also introduced an off-road-focused variant, the Overtrail, to the Aussie market.

The LX500d Overtrail is geared up for 4WDing and, as such, is kitted out with front and rear locking differentials, Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres on 18-inch rims, as well as a stack of driver-assist aids – including the proven Multi-Terrain Select from Toyota’s LandCruiser 300 Series – all aimed at making you The Absolute King of the Dirty Weekend.

But, being a Lexus, the Overtrail is of course on the right side of premium, replete with a features list as long as … something that is long.

So, how does it perform off-road?

Read on.

It doesn't feel like that long ago I spent a day with the brand spanking new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S when it first arrived in Australia. It's a car that stuck with me, the SpaceX-worthy thrust of AMG's 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 translating into that dirty V8 exhaust note.

Turns out it wasn't that long ago, but time waits for no car - the 2020 GLC 63 S has arrived, with some useful upgrades and a deep suspicion that someone, somewhere thought the car needed some changes.

And they may be right, because in June 2018, the GLC 63 S assumed an empty throne. Now in 2020, it has the Jaguar F-Pace SVR and BMW X3 and X4 M twins to deal with.

So, under a scorching hot Bathurst sun, I examined the box-fresh GLC 63 S for signs of nefarious activity, hoping things have not changed for the worse just because there are a couple of challengers in town.