Verdict
The Lexus RZ costs RM429,888 against the Mercedes-Benz GLC’s RM329,888, a RM100,000 jump that buys a 71.4-kWh battery, 440-km EV range and much quicker 5.3-second sprint. For a Malaysian buyer with dependable home or destination charging, the RZ’s 150-kW DC capability, 11-kW AC charging and RM335 annual road tax make its electric case clear. The GLC is the more practical conventional choice: its 620-litre boot beats the Lexus’s 522 litres, it has a 62-litre tank, and CKD assembly helps explain the lower entry price. But its 7.8-second 0-100 km/h time is decisively slower.
Pick the Lexus RZ if you can charge regularly and want 440 km of electric range, 308 hp from two motors and stronger standard driver-assistance equipment.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if RM100,000 saved, a 620-litre boot and petrol refuelling suit your routine better than EV charging.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus RZ RM429,888; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888.
- Powertrain: RZ has two motors producing 308 hp and 435 Nm; GLC has a 1,999-cc mild-hybrid petrol engine rated at 201 hp and 320 Nm, plus a 23-hp, 205-Nm motor.
- 0-100 km/h: RZ 5.3 seconds; GLC 7.8 seconds.
- Energy storage: RZ has a 71.4-kWh battery and 440-km EV range; GLC has a 62-litre fuel tank.
- Boot space: RZ 522 litres; GLC 620 litres.
- Wheelbase: RZ 2,850 mm; GLC 2,888 mm.
RZ
- 440-km EV range with 11-kW AC and 150-kW DC charging
- 5.3-second 0-100 km/h acceleration
- 14-inch touchscreen, 12 speakers, head-up display and adaptive cruise control with steering assist
- RM100,000 more expensive
- 522-litre boot is 98 litres smaller
- 160 km/h top speed versus the GLC’s 221 km/h
GLC
- RM100,000 lower purchase price
- 620-litre boot and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats
- 221 km/h top speed and rear window shades
- 7.8-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.3 seconds
- No EV range or AC/DC charging capability
- Four-year vehicle warranty versus five years for the RZ
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM429,888 | RM329,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM335✓ | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist |
| Capacity | — | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 201 hp |
| Torque | — | 320 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 308 hp✓ | 23 hp |
| Motor Torque | 435 Nm✓ | 205 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 71.4 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 440 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | — | 9 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.3 seconds✓ | 7.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 221 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,805 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Weight | 2,125 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | — | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 522 litres | 620 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Aluminium in Black and Bright Machined Finish | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Aluminium in Black and Bright Machined Finish | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack And Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on outer two rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam and Sequential Indicators | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Sequential Indicators | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Lexus Climate Concierge | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14" EMV Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Wired Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay and 12-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation (with Smart Card Key) | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year, unlimited mileage warranty on EV battery | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used RZ & GLC for sale
RZ vs GLC FAQ
Is the Lexus RZ or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The RZ is better for regular charging, with 440 km of EV range, 308 hp and a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time. The GLC is better for a lower upfront outlay and luggage space, with a 620-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus RZ costs RM100,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That gap brings the RZ’s 71.4-kWh battery, 440-km EV range, 150-kW DC charging and quicker acceleration.
Which has the better long-distance practicality?
The GLC has the larger 620-litre boot, 62-litre fuel tank and 221 km/h top speed. The RZ has a 522-litre boot but can cover 440 km on a charge; its suitability depends on access to charging.
