If you had to choose between the two most talked-about luxury SUVs in the UAE right now, which one would you put your money on: the Lexus LX 600 or the Mercedes-Benz GLS 2026? Both sit at the very top of their brands.
These automobiles are huge, fast, feature-packed, and very expensive, showing that they are meant for business purposes. The Lexus LX 600 is an automobile manufactured in Japan. It is reliable and can handle off-road conditions. The Mercedes GLS 2026, nicknamed “the S-Class of SUVs,” is a German automobile.
On paper, both look impressive. But when you dig into the details, clear differences emerge, and this guide walks you through each one.
Lexus LX 600 Vs Mercedes GLS 2026 UAE: Key Specs Comparison
| Specification | Lexus LX 600 (2026) | Mercedes GLS 450 (2026) |
| Engine | 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 409 HP | 375 HP |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD with Low Range | 4MATIC AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ~9.4 km/L | ~12.5 km/L |
| Seating | 7 Passengers | 7 Passengers |
| Length | 5,100 mm | 5,207 mm |
| Width | 1,990 mm | 1,956 mm |
| Height | 1,895 mm | 1,823 mm |
| Fuel Tank | ~93 L | 90 L |
| Suspension | KDSS Air Suspension | AIRMATIC Air Suspension |
| Infotainment | Lexus Interface (14″) | MBUX Twin 12.3″ Screens |
| 0–100 km/h | ~6.7 seconds | ~6.2 seconds |
| Starting Price UAE | AED 490,000 | AED 554,900 |
Price and Variant Differences
The Lexus LX 600 in the UAE starts at AED 490,000 for the base Prestige variant. From there, you move up through the Overtrail, Signature, F-Sport, and the top-of-the-line VIP, which reaches AED 650,000-660,000. The LX 700h hybrid variants start from AED 590,000. So the full LX 600 lineup ranges from AED 490,000 to AED 660,000.
The Mercedes GLS 2026 starts from AED 554,900 for the GLS 450 4MATIC and climbs to AED 877,900 for the AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+. The Maybach GLS 600 pushes past AED 1,000,000. So while the GLS base price is slightly higher than the LX 600, its range is far wider, and the AMG and Maybach trims are in a league of their own.
Design and Comfort Differences
The exterior design of the Lexus LX 600 is very strong and aggressive. The huge spindle grille will attract everyone’s eye on the streets of Dubai, while its high ground clearance makes it even more intimidating. The interior of the car features luxury materials such as leather upholstery, wood trim panels, aluminum detailing, and three rows of seats. The front seats offer 10-way power adjustability, heating, ventilation, and even a massage feature.
The Mercedes GLS 2026 takes a sleeker, more polished approach. The refreshed front fascia with updated LED signatures gives it a contemporary, almost futuristic feel. Inside, the twin 12.3-inch MBUX displays are among the best in any SUV. Optional Nappa leather quilting, Burmester surround sound, and rear-seat entertainment screens make the cabin feel like a business-class cabin on wheels. If interior technology matters most, the GLS has the edge.
Engine, Mileage, and Powertrain Differences
The engine used by the Lexus LX 600 is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 409 HP and 650 Nm of torque. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It features a four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and a center-locking differential. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is a feature that works automatically in both off-road and on-road driving conditions. The LX 700h hybrid version uses an additional electric engine to improve its fuel consumption to 9.9 km/L.
The GLS 450 uses a 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid assistance, producing 375 HP and 500 Nm. The GLS 580 bumps this to a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 with 510 HP, and the AMG GLS 63 pushes it further with 603 HP. All models use a 9-speed automatic, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and AIRMATIC air suspension. The GLS 450 returns a much better 12.5 km/L, making it the more practical daily driver in the UAE.
Safety Features Differences
The safety features of the Lexus LX 600 are impressive and standard across all trims. Among those are the pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with lane tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The camera providing a 360-degree panoramic view with an off-road angle is a feature I greatly appreciate when parking in narrow spots in a Dubai shopping center or driving on sand trails.
Higher LX 600 trims like the Signature and VIP add proactive driving assist, which reads the road ahead and adjusts speed and steering input to reduce fatigue on long UAE highway stretches. The body-on-frame construction adds a layer of physical toughness that monocoque SUVs simply cannot match, and the reinforced structure provides solid protection for all occupants in the event of an impact.
The Mercedes GLS 2026 goes deeper into technology-driven safety. Its Active Brake Assist uses radar and cameras to detect potential collisions and applies brakes automatically before you even react. The updated 2026 Driver Assistance Package adds Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross-Traffic Assist. A new 2026 feature that is very useful when reversing out of crowded UAE parking lots.
One of the most impressive additions to the GLS 2026 is the invisible hood view. Part of the surround camera system, it projects a virtual image of what is directly beneath the front of the car onto the screen, brilliant for off-road situations or tight city parking. The PRE-SAFE system tightens seatbelts and repositions seats in the split second before a detected impact, giving occupants the best possible protection in a crash.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you want a tough, dependable luxury SUV with legendary reliability and one of the best resale values in the UAE market, the Lexus LX 600 is your answer. Its off-road capability is the real deal, and the Prestige trim at AED 490,000 offers excellent value for everything you get.
The Mercedes GLS 2026 is certainly a better buy for people who value innovative technology, extensive engine lineup, improved fuel consumption, and the most advanced cabin experience. While the GLS 450, priced at AED 554,900, makes a good everyday car, the 580 and AMG 63 models offer an unparalleled level of performance that few luxury SUVs can provide. The decision is difficult, but it all boils down to choosing between Japanese reliability and German engineering.
FAQ
1. Is the Lexus LX 600 better than the Mercedes GLS 2026 in the UAE?
A. It depends on what you want. The LX 600 wins on reliability, off-road capability, and resale value. The GLS wins on technology, fuel efficiency, and engine variety. Neither is “better,” they just suit different buyers.
2. Which is more fuel efficient, the LX 600 or the GLS 2026?
A. The Mercedes GLS 450 returns around 12.5 km/L, which is noticeably better than the LX 600’s 9.4 km/L. For daily commuting in the UAE, the GLS is the more economical choice.
3. What is the starting price of both SUVs in the UAE?
A.The Lexus LX 600 starts at AED 490,000, while the Mercedes GLS 2026 starts at AED 554,900. Both prices exclude registration, insurance, and dealer add-ons.
4. Which SUV is better for off-road driving in the UAE desert?
A. The Lexus LX 600 is the stronger off-roader. It has a proper 4WD system with low-range gearing, locking differentials, and Crawl Control built for sand and rough terrain.
5. Which SUV holds its value better in the UAE?
A. The Lexus LX 600 is known for outstanding resale value in the UAE market, one of the best in its class. The Mercedes GLS depreciates faster, though it still holds reasonably well for a European luxury SUV.
