VS

Lexus NX vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (292 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (46,000 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Lexus NX or Mercedes SL Class?

Lexus NX vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

Lexus NX

4.8 (12 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • only slightly lighter
details

Mercedes SL Class

  • substantially more power
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

NX

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Lexus NX is substantially cheaper – starting at 46,000 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 66,676 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Lexus NX uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 6.1 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Lexus NX offers substantially more range – reaching up to 72 km, about 60 km more than the Mercedes SL Class.

SL Class

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes SL Class offers substantially more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 292 HP. That’s roughly 524 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the Lexus NX takes 6.4 s. That’s about 3.5 s quicker.

NX

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Lexus NX offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Lexus NX is only slightly lighter – 1,805 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 5 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Lexus NX carries noticeably more – 515 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 140 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Lexus NX is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £46,000
NX

Lexus NX

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 292 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.9 - 5.9 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 72 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Honda CR-V
Lexus NX
VS
The Honda CR-V and Lexus NX are two of the most sensible compact crossovers on the market—one prized for roomy practicality and strong value, the other for luxury, refinement and a more premium driving experience. This comparison shows how the CR-V’s efficient, user-friendly package stacks up …
Lexus LBX
Lexus NX
VS
The Lexus LBX and Lexus NX represent two distinct takes on Lexus’s compact SUV line — the LBX is a smaller, city-focused entry model while the NX delivers more space, stronger performance and richer equipment. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritise urban agility and lower …
Lexus NX
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX wraps striking, chiseled styling around a cabin that feels more crafted living room than utility vehicle, with soft materials and user-friendly tech that give it genuine premium cachet. On the road it's composed and quietly confident, trading sporty pretensions for a refined, easygoing personality that will suit buyers who want luxury without fuss — with a little Lexus flair to make daily commutes feel special.

details
73893-2021nxdplnx350hdynamic003
73959-2021nxdplnx350hstatic004
73960-2021nxdplnx350hstatic001
73857-2021nxdplnx350hdetail002
73863-2021nxdplnx350hdetail008

Reviews Lexus NX

4.8 (12 Reviews)
rate
David Jenkins
28 Mar 2026, 20:57:02

Superb handling, averaging 89mpg, decent electric range, very comfortable to drive, good cabin space, good size touch screen, extremely quick, no better car to drive and live with.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
David Jenkins
2 Feb 2026, 20:38:48

By far the best PHEV in its class, superb handling, top rated relaibility, & super quick on EV mode as well as its well equipped 2.5 litre petrol engine.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Pierre Joris
21 Nov 2025, 23:21:12

Lexus has a history and offers a 10-year warranty.

Pierre Joris
21 Nov 2025, 23:20:20

Lexus has a history and offers a 10-year warranty.

Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

details
15C1119_012
15C1119_029
15C1119_120
15C1119_004

Reviews Mercedes SL Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

Lexus NX
Volvo XC40
VS
The Lexus NX and Volvo XC40 are two leading compact luxury SUVs that blend premium craftsmanship with everyday practicality. The NX leans toward refined comfort and dependable hybrid tech, while the XC40 emphasizes clean Scandinavian design, clever packaging and class-leading safety—so choice …
Kia Sportage
Lexus NX
VS
The Kia Sportage and Lexus NX both target buyers wanting a compact crossover but take very different approaches to price, tech and refinement. This comparison will help you decide whether the Sportage’s strong value and modern features or the NX’s quieter cabin, premium materials and refined …
Lexus NX
Mazda CX-5
VS
The Lexus NX and Mazda CX-5 are two popular compact SUVs — the NX emphasizes luxury and refinement while the CX-5 focuses on sporty handling and strong value. This short comparison cuts through the marketing to show where each model excels in comfort, technology, fuel economy, and driving feel so …
Lexus NX
Lexus RZ
VS
The Lexus NX and the Lexus RZ offer two distinct directions for Lexus buyers: the NX is a refined compact luxury SUV available with petrol and hybrid powertrains, while the RZ is Lexus’s purpose-built electric crossover focused on efficiency, tech and a serene driving experience. This comparison …
Lexus NX
Mazda CX-60
VS
Lexus NX and Mazda CX-60 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Lexus NX
Toyota RAV4
VS
Choosing between the Lexus NX and the Toyota RAV4 comes down to whether you want a more premium, refined compact luxury crossover (NX) or a practical, value-focused compact SUV (RAV4). This comparison highlights the key differences in comfort, performance, fuel economy and ownership cost to help …
Ford Kuga
Lexus NX
VS
Unsure whether the Ford Kuga or the Lexus NX is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Hyundai Tucson
Lexus NX
VS
Hyundai Tucson and Lexus NX go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Lexus NX
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
46,000 - 64,300 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 5.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
72 km
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
65 - 134 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,805 - 2,065 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,865 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 515 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 - 292 HP
Power HP
381 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
480 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
147 - 215 kW
Power kW
280 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Lexus
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Lexus NX have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.