RX II (XU30) vs M-Class / GLE W164 (ML): which is better?
Lexus RX II (XU30) (2003–2009) vs Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) (2005–2011): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus RX II (XU30)
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)Specifications
| Lexus RX II (XU30) | Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2003–2009 | 2005–2011 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 (RX350) | 3.5 V6 (ML350) |
| Power, up to | 276 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque, up to | 342 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 755 mm | 4 780 mm |
| Width | 1 845 mm | 1 911 mm |
| Height | 1 680 mm | 1 815 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 715 mm | 2 915 mm |
| Fuel tank | 72 L | 95 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus RX II (XU30)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 276 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 72 L
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 272 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 95 L
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M272 (V6): balance shaft and intermediate shaft gear wear on engines before 2008
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Engine (Mercedes M272 (V6)): wear of balance shaft and intermediate shaft gears on pre-2008 engines; intake manifold flap leaks.
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- RX II (XU30) — if you care more about: power.
- M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
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: RX II (XU30) or M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)?
RX II (XU30): up to 276 hp, M-Class / GLE W164 (ML): up to 272 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: RX II (XU30) — about 68 375 ₸, M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.