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Mercedes GLA vs Lexus LBX comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Lexus LBX?

Mercedes GLA vs Lexus LBX: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
details

Lexus LBX

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
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

GLA

Overview: Lexus LBX vs Mercedes GLA — two premium takes on the compact SUV

The Lexus LBX and Mercedes GLA arrive with clear, different priorities, so choosing between them is as much about lifestyle as it is about features. The LBX distils Lexus’ calm, high‑quality cabin and efficient hybrid drivetrain into a compact package aimed at city‑focused buyers who value refinement. The GLA instead leans on roomy rear packaging, a modern digital cockpit and a broader engine line‑up that includes plug‑in options for duty‑driven buyers. This comparison lays out how those priorities show up in daily life — noise, space, usability and long‑distance comfort — so you can match the car to how you actually use it.

LBX

Character and driving feel: relaxed finesse versus composed motorway cruiser

The Lexus LBX feels like a calm companion in town — it moves off quietly, masks road noise well and encourages easy, unhurried driving. That serenity has a cost: when you demand strong acceleration the LBX’s hybrid transmission can become audible and the overall temperament stays polite rather than sporty. The Mercedes GLA is geared more toward composed, assured cruising; its engines and chassis options deliver stronger mid‑range shove and a steadier feel on faster roads. If you favour tranquil neighbourhood cruising and efficiency the LBX wins on character, but if you want confident motorway manners and the option of punchier drive variants the GLA better suits that need.

GLA

Cabin feel and perceived quality: tactile luxury versus high‑tech theatre

The interior of the Lexus LBX punches above its size with tangible materials, simple logic and physical knobs that feel immediately familiar and premium. Mercedes GLA counters with a visually striking, tech‑forward cabin where large screens and ambient lighting create a modern, upscale atmosphere but introduce more touch controls and a learning curve. In daily use the LBX’s restraint reads as premium craftsmanship; the GLA’s flair reads as contemporary prestige that can sometimes be less tactile. Buyers who equate luxury with material honesty will prefer the LBX; those who want a “wow” screen‑first interior will gravitate to the GLA.

LBX

Practicality and usability: compact convenience versus clearer rear‑seat and luggage usability

The Lexus LBX’s compact exterior makes city parking and tight streets easy, but that packaging also means a snug rear bench and a less flexible boot area compared with larger rivals. The Mercedes GLA generally offers more room for rear passengers and a squarer, more usable luggage bay, though certain powertrains reduce cargo space, so spec choice matters. For families or anyone regularly carrying two adults and luggage the GLA’s practicality is the more forgiving option, while solo urban buyers or couples who prize small‑car convenience will appreciate the LBX’s footprint. Both are premium in finish, but their usefulness diverges when people and bags multiply.

GLA

Comfort and long‑distance behaviour: smooth motorway miles meet hybrid trade‑offs

On long runs the Mercedes GLA shows its strengths: stable at speed, comfortable seats and a suspension tune that absorbs motorway imperfections with composure. The Lexus LBX can also cruise quietly and comfortably, especially when driven gently, but its hybrid transmission becomes more noticeable under sustained load and the ride can feel a touch fidgety over small bumps at low speeds. If you regularly cover long stretches or want the calmest high‑speed behaviour, the GLA’s chassis and engine options offer a clearer advantage. Conversely, if most of your miles are urban or mixed and you value fuel efficiency without plugging in, the LBX’s hybrid setup will appeal more.

LBX

City friendliness and buyer fit: who should test which first?

If your life is defined by tight parking, short commutes and a preference for tactile, quiet luxury, start your search with the Lexus LBX — it packages Lexus polish into a small, effortless envelope. If your driving includes regular motorway stints, occasional long trips, or you want the flexibility of a plug‑in option and more rear‑seat space, the Mercedes GLA is the more versatile match. Budget, option choices and how often you carry rear passengers or luggage will decide the trade‑offs more than badge loyalty; read the technical comparison next to see how engines, cargo impact and equipment lines translate into the real numbers. Each car makes a coherent offer — it’s about matching that offer to how you live and drive.

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

GLA

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 LBX is noticeably cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,559 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Lexus LBX with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.6 L/100km.

LBX

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers significantly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 285 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Lexus LBX takes 9.2 s. That’s about 4.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers significantly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 185 Nm. That’s about 315 Nm more.

GLA

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Lexus LBX is noticeably lighter – 1,280 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 290 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers markedly more boot space – 435 L compared to 332 L. That’s a difference of about 103 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries only slightly more – 500 kg compared to 475 kg. That’s a difference of about 25 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is far ahead 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 £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 74 km
Mercedes GLA
Lexus LBX

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA is a compact luxury crossover that brings Mercedes-Benz's refined design and premium cabin materials into a practical, city-friendly package. It combines comfortable ride quality and intuitive tech with poised handling, making it a confident choice for everyday driving and longer journeys.

details

Lexus LBX

The Lexus LBX is a compact premium crossover that brings Lexus styling and craftsmanship to city driving, pairing a cozy interior with thoughtful tech and upscale materials. It focuses on a quiet, refined ride and fuel-efficient everyday usability while carrying the brand’s familiar emphasis on comfort and safety.

details
Mercedes GLA
Lexus LBX

Costs and Consumption

Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
28,300 - 40,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
102 - 110 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,280 - 1,365 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
255 - 332 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,825 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
455 - 475 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.2 - 9.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
185 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,490 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Lexus
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.