A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Lexus LX vs Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: the short answer
LX and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
LX starts ZAR 1,486,302 cheaperLX from ZAR 2,687,500 · Mercedes-Maybach S-Class from ZAR 4,173,802
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Maximum Power
LX225 kW @ 4000 rpm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class370 kW
Maximum Torque
LX700 Nm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class700 Nm
Engine Size
LX3300 cc
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
LX11.9 km/l
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class10.0 km/l
Ground Clearance
LX205 mm
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class130 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Lexus LX
LX 500d F SPORT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
LX
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
LX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Model Introduced Year
2022
2026
Generation
Fourth-generation Lexus LX flagship body-on-frame SUV
Current South African Mercedes-Maybach S-Class generation represented by derivative S 580
Facelift History
Current range adds LX 700h hybrid and Overtrail grades while retaining LX 500d diesel choices
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
Current range adds LX 700h hybrid and Overtrail grades while retaining LX 500d diesel choices
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Current
Body Style
SUV
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
Current South African retail range
Segment
Luxury SUV
Premium sedan
Tare Mass Kg
2670 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Sedan
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Length
5090 mm
5469 mm
Width
1990 mm
1921 mm
Height
1895 mm
1510 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
3396 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
205 mm
130 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
110 l
76 l
Boot/Cargo Space
1109 l
505 l
Kerb Weight
2670 kg
2360 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3280 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
610 kg
530 kg
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6 m
6.45 m
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
120 mm
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
960 mm
Rear Headroom
-
960 mm
Front Legroom
-
900 mm
Rear Legroom
-
900 mm
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Front Track Width
1675 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1675 mm
-
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone with Active Height Control -
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Multilink with Active Height Control -
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
All/ All One Touch
Yes
Keyless Entry
Standard Smart Entry + Panic
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Push Start + fingerprint
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard Front x1
Yes
Sunroof
Moonroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Standard Power and Handsfree
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Heads Up Display
Standard
-
Air Conditioning
Auto 4-Zone,Air purifier
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Engine
3.3-litre Turbocharged Diesel
3982/V8
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
M177
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
3300 cc
3982 cc
Cylinders
6
8
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
V
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
8.6:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
83.0 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
225 kW @ 4000 rpm
370 kW
Maximum Torque
700 Nm
700 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
370 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
700 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
AWD
RWD
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
4.8 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+, Comfort, Custom
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
84.3 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
262.2 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
No
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Gearbox
Automatic 10-speed
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
RWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Centre and Rear Torsen LSD
No
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Yes
Number of Gears
10
9
Transmission Type
Automatic 10-speed
9G-TRONIC automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
AWD
RWD
4WD Engagement
Permanent all-wheel drive
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic 10-speed
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
AWD
Driven axle configuration: RWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
10
9
LSD Available
-
No
Final Drive Ratio
-
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Claimed Mileage
11.9 km/l
10.0 km/l
City Mileage
9.7 km/l
10.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
13.9 km/l
10.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
110 l
66 l
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
110
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
0 km
Emission Standard
-
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
0 l
Real-world Mileage
11.9 km/l
10.0 km/l
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Airbags
Side,Knee,Curtain,Driver,Passenger
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard,, Active Traction Control (ATRC)
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
No
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard Rear door
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard 2
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Yes
Alarm System
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Front and rear
AEB
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Standard
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard,, Active Traction Control (ATRC)
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Fingerprint,Ultra-Wide Band
-
Brake Override System
-
Ventilated disc brakes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Yes
Parking Sensors
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
360 Degree Camera
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Yes
Auto Wipers
Intermittent,Auto,Rainsensing
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard Front + Rear,Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Yes
Around View Monitor
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor,Panoramic View Monitor
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Yes
Park Assist
-
Yes
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Seat Material
Semi-Aniline Leather
Nappa leather
Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power
-
Heated Seats
Standard Driver and Passenger only,Rear Row 1
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Standard Front + Rear Row 1
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Standard
64-colour ambient lighting
Folding Rear Seats
40:20:40 -
-
Rear Armrest
Standard
-
Cup Holders
Standard 8
-
Steering Wheel Material
4 Spoke/ Leather + Heated
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Instrument Cluster Type
Standard TFT,Full Digital,12.3-inch
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Driver 4-way,Power/ Passenger 4-way
-
60 40 Split Seat
40:20:40 -
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Driver + Passenger Power
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Semi-Aniline Leather
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Infotainment System
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
MBUX multimedia system
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Standard 25
13
Navigation System
Standard/ Touch Screen,EMV
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard TFT,Full Digital,12.3-inch
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
Standard 3PCs
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen Size
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
MBUX multimedia system
Audio Speakers
Standard 25
13
Audio System
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard 3PCs
-
Infotainment Screen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
MBUX multimedia system
Connected Services
Standard
-
Touchscreen
Mark Levinson/ EMV,DAB
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
-
Wireless Android Auto
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
LED Headlamps
Standard
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard LED
LED daytime running lights
Roof Rails
Standard
No
Exterior Colour Options
White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black GF, Manganese Luster, Terrane Khaki
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Standard
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Fog Lamps
-
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Approach Angle
21.0 deg
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
22.0 deg
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Standard
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Centre and Rear Torsen LSD
No
4WD System Type
Permanent all-wheel drive
No
Approach Angle Deg
21.0 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
22.0 deg
-
Ground Clearance Max
205 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
205 mm
-
Crawl Control
Standard
-
Wading Depth
-
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
-
Not Applicable
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Tyre Size
F:265-50 R22 Aluminium F SPORT / R:265-50 R22 Aluminium F SPORT
275/45 R21
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full 265-50R22 AluminiumFSPORT
21-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
22
21
Handbrake Type
Electric
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Service Interval
12 months / 10,000km
-
Service Plan
-
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
CO2 Emissions
222 g/km
251 g/km
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Ownership Role
Private luxury, family and business
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
2687500 ZAR
4173802 ZAR
Pricing Role
Flagship
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
2687500
5000000
Starting Price Zar
2687500
5000000
Spec
LX
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Warranty
7 years / 100,000km
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This LX and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: LX 98 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 97.
Efficiency index: LX 47 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 45.
Safety-equipment index: LX 93 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 95.
Practicality index: LX 84 vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class 63.
Ownership-cover index: LX not separately scored vs Mercedes-Maybach S-Class not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
LX and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
LX leads by 6 points
LX and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
LX
Performance
98/100
Efficiency
47/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
84/100
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Performance
97/100
Efficiency
45/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
63/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus LX
leads the specification evidence index with 83 pts
vs 77 pts for Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, LX leads. However, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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