Lexus LX vs Mercedes-Benz GLS
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Lexus LX wins on money kept: 60% retained after three years vs 58%, worth about R 275 220 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| LX | GLS | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 687 500 | R 2 320 573 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 46 973/m | R 40 560/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 79% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 58% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 616 550 | R 1 341 330 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 070 950 | R 979 243 |
| Value after 5 years | R 1 193 753 | R 967 871 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Luxury flagship & exotic |
Lexus LX →
Lexus SA's flagship SUV shares its ladder-frame platform with the Land Cruiser 300, sold locally in LX 500d diesel, LX 600 petrol and LX 700h hybrid forms. It appeals to buyers who want Sandton polish with genuine bush ability. The Land Cruiser DNA helps it resist depreciation better than European flagships.
Known for: land cruiser 300 underneath
Mercedes-Benz GLS →
The GLS is Mercedes' seven-seat flagship SUV, pitched as the S-Class of SUVs. In SA it sells in small numbers to buyers who want space and badge in one package, with the Maybach version topping the range. Expect steep depreciation from a R2.3 million-plus sticker.
Known for: s-class space in suv form
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Lexus LX or the Mercedes-Benz GLS?
The Lexus LX. It keeps about 60% of its price after three years against 58% for the Mercedes-Benz GLS, a gap of 2 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Lexus LX loses about R 1 070 950 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz GLS loses about R 979 243. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Lexus LX runs about R 46 973 per month and the Mercedes-Benz GLS about R 40 560, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.