Lexus Rx450H+ vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
What's the difference?

Lexus Rx450H+

$105,450 - $123,750

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$66,800 - $183,541

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Lexus Rx450H+

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

By Emily Agar

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Smooth & refined
Premium features
Family-friendly rear seat

More power and torque
More fuel efficient
Stylish cabin

Dislikes

Relatively short EV-only range
No spare tyre, just a repair kit
Raised rear seat cramped for tall people

Misses V8 soundtrack
Big price rise over previous model
Smaller boot, no spare tyre

2026 Lexus Rx450H+ Summary

Lexus has finally brought a plug-in hybrid to the Australian market with the RX450h+, and we’ve been testing the second-from-the-top Sports Luxury grade to see how it stacks up.

Promising a blend of electric efficiency and the high-end comfort Lexus is known for, this large SUV steps into a competitive segment. But does it deliver on both fronts?

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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Summary

Let’s make one thing clear from the very beginning - this new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance is technically superior to the model it replaces. Whether it’s actually better or not, is the real question at the heart of the matter.

Why? Because, like the C63 sedan stablemate, AMG has opted to replace the previous model’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. It was a move brought about in part because of increasingly stricter emissions standards in Europe, but also ties-in with the German firm’s success in modern Formula One racing.

While the new hybrid system offers more power, more torque and better fuel economy, as the lukewarm response to the C63 has demonstrated, the hard reality for AMG is that its buyers associate it with V8 and even V12 engines. That emotional pull is hard to replace with logic, even if the new model offers technical superiority.

But how does the new powertrain suit the GLC63 - is it just technically better or is it holistically improved?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Lexus Rx450H+ 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Verdict

The new Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury is packed with a wealth of premium features and strikes a solid balance between refinement and practicality. There are enough thoughtful touches that make everyday driving a little easier.

You’ll get the most out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain if you’re able to charge it regularly; ideally every day. That might not always be practical for busy people on the go, but overall, the RX450h+ manages to blend efficiency with Lexus’ signature comfort and quality.

Verdict

Like I said right from the start, this new, hybrid version of the AMG GLC63 is technically superior to the model it replaces in every meaningful way. It is faster, more powerful and more fuel efficient and therefore a better performance SUV than the model it replaces.

Is it a better model than the one it replaces? Ultimately that will come down to how much stock you put into the soundtrack and your feelings on an AMG not powered by a V8 engine.

Because if you can see past that, then the AMG GLC63 is an absolutely fantastic performance SUV. Not only does the new powertrain make it faster in a straight line, but the chassis is very well-balanced, making for an engaging driving experience.

For those who can look past the smaller engine they will be rewarded with an incredibly fast and rewarding-to-drive member of the AMG family.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Lexus Rx450H+ vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus Rx450H+ vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
What's the difference?