LX III (J200) vs GL / GLS X164 (GL): which is better?
Lexus LX III (J200) (2007–2021) vs Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL) (2006–2012): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus LX III (J200)Specifications
| Lexus LX III (J200) | Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2007–2021 | 2006–2012 |
| Body | SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 5.7 V8 (LX570) | 4.7 V8 (GL450) |
| Power, up to | 367 hp | 340 hp |
| Torque, up to | 530 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 065 mm | 5 088 mm |
| Width | 1 970 mm | 1 920 mm |
| Height | 1 920 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 850 mm | 3 075 mm |
| Ground clearance | 225 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 93 L | 100 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 517 925 ₸ | ≈ 510 925 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus LX III (J200)
Pros
- Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60 gearbox: very reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 367 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 225 mm
Cons
- Toyota/Lexus UR engine (V8): water pump leak
- Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60 gearbox: jolts when the valve body wears
Engine (Toyota/Lexus UR (V8)): water pump leak; oil leaks through gaskets and seals at high mileage.
Gearbox (Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60): very reliable; shocks when the valve body wears.
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 340 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 100 L
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- LX III (J200) — if you care more about: power, torque.
- GL / GLS X164 (GL) — if you care more about: wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: LX III (J200) or GL / GLS X164 (GL)?
LX III (J200): up to 367 hp, GL / GLS X164 (GL): up to 340 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: LX III (J200) — about 517 925 ₸, GL / GLS X164 (GL) — about 510 925 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.