Mercedes-Benz leads in performance and luxury prestige with more powerful engines and cutting-edge technology, while Lexus prioritizes reliability and lower maintenance costs with industry-leading dependability ratings. The choice depends on whether you value driving dynamics or long-term ownership economy.
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Japanese luxury brand under Toyota known for exceptional reliability, refined comfort, and excellent long-term value retention.
German luxury automaker known for performance engineering, advanced technology, and premium interior craftsmanship.
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024). Average Engine Power (Flagship Models). 5-Year Maintenance Cost Average. Warranty Coverage (Basic). Average Price (Mid-Size Sedan). Owner Satisfaction Rate (Consumer Reports 2024). 0-60 Acceleration (Performance Models)
Choose Lexus if you prioritize reliability, lower maintenance costs, and hassle-free ownership with some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Choose Mercedes-Benz if you want superior performance, the latest luxury technology, advanced driver assistance systems, and are willing to accept higher maintenance expenses for driving dynamics and prestige.
Lexus: 12-15 years | Mercedes-Benz: 10-12 years
Lexus: 84 PP100 | Mercedes-Benz: 81 PP100
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
Lexus: 8.0 (Above Average) | Mercedes-Benz: 5.0 (Average)
Lexus: 8-speed automatic | Mercedes-Benz: 9-speed automatic
Lexus: $1,450 (mid-size luxury) | Mercedes-Benz: $1,680 (mid-size luxury)
Lexus: 3 years / 36,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Lexus: 430 (LS 500) | Mercedes-Benz: 516 (S580)
Lexus: 4.6 (LC 500) | Mercedes-Benz: 3.2 (AMG C63)
Lexus: $48,500 (IS 300) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Lexus: 6 year / 70,000 mi | Mercedes-Benz: 4yr / 50,000 mi
Lexus: 81 out of 100 | Mercedes-Benz: 6.9/10
Lexus: 290 dealerships | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Lexus: 2 models | Mercedes-Benz: EQE, EQS, EQC (strong)
Lexus: 228 miles (RZ 450e) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Lexus: 471 hp (LC 500) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Lexus: ~75% of lineup | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
Lexus: 5.8 sec (ES 350) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Lexus: 8-14 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 (MBUX Digital)
Lexus: 5.8 (IS 350) | Mercedes-Benz: 4.3 (C63 AMG)
Lexus: 8 of 10 lineup | Mercedes-Benz: 4 of 11 lineup
Lexus: 10 years | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years
Lexus: 9 models (7 hybrid + 2 EV) | Mercedes-Benz: 9 models (4 hybrid + 5 EV)
Lexus: 40 (RX 450h) | Mercedes-Benz: 27 (GLE 450)
Lexus: 89 (Excellent) | Mercedes-Benz: 79/100
Lexus: 8.2 (ES 250) | Mercedes-Benz: 5.8 (C 300)
Lexus: 5 years / 60,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Lexus: 3 years / 36,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Lexus: 10 years / 150,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Lexus: 7.1 seconds | Mercedes-Benz: 5.8 seconds
Lexus: 1.2 seconds | Mercedes-Benz: 0.8 seconds
Lexus: 3 years/36,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Lexus: 8.6 out of 10 | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Lexus: 1,450 dealers | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Standard Infotainment Screen Size (Mid-Range Model)
Lexus: 8.2 seconds | Mercedes-Benz: 5.3 seconds
Lexus: 10 years / 100,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Lexus: 8-14 inches (standard 10.5) | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches OLED
Lexus: 44 MPG (ES Hybrid) | Mercedes-Benz: 28 MPG (C300 base)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.49 Million
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: New S-Class with enhanced tech
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Software-defined
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: GLC turbocharged refined
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Comfort-oriented refinement
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: EQS 400/550 4MATIC models
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Ultra-premium throughout
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years standard
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14+ models with EQS expansion
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 (AMG E63 S)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14.4 inches (S-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 603 (AMG E63 S)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG combined (C-Class estimated)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (GLE 350 base)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L turbocharged)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu.ft. (C-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Premium luxury pricing baseline
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3,580 lbs (C-Class est.)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Varies (not standard)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50+ models globally
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (M256 3.0L turbo)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3" (MBUX with AI)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $49,500 (C-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $65,000 (2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Level 3 (Drive Pilot, limited markets)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 1,400+ dealerships
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 138 years (est. 1886)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50k miles
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.6s (C63 AMG)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (C300)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12 (C, E, S-Class, CLA, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, EQE, EQS, EQC)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,800 (C-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX Hyperscreen (9.5/10)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Optional (4MATIC)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG GT 63 S)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 456 miles (EQS 580)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 149 mph (C-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 312 miles (EQS 450+)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50k miles
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (C-Class)
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (founded 1926)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 6+ EV models across segments
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 42% depreciation
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 40,000+ (Drive Pilot)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L Turbo)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 23 MPG combined
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 125 years (founded 1901)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.9 sec (AMG GT)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5+ (EQE, EQS, EQE SUV, EQC, EQA)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,000 (C-Class base, 2024)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with ChatGPT integration (2024+)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $108,000 (S-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580e)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 150+ countries
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (C43 AMG)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6s (C43 AMG)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5 models (EQE, EQS, EQG, EQE SUV, EQS SUV)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 630 hp (AMG 63 E Performance)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 28 mpg (C300 2.0L turbo)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $45,650 (C 300)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $65,900 (GLE 350)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C 63)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580 4MATIC)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-3)
Interior Material Standard (Leather Type)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa (standard on most trims)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 8 EV models (EQE, EQS, EQC, EQA, EQE SUV, EQS SUV, EQG coming)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $43,250 (C-Class, 2024)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (Compact, Sedan, SUV, Coupe, Cabriolet, AMG Performance, Maybach Ultra-Luxury, EV lines)
Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan Base Model)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Hand-stitched Nappa leather, ambient lighting
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI (9.1/10 - highest rated)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 435 miles (EQS 580)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.8 seconds (AMG E63 S)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 186 mph (AMG E63 S)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 21 mpg (E350)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11 (C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLA, GLC, GLE, GLA, C63 AMG, EQC, Maybach, SL)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Model)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG C63)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 260 miles (EQE 53 AMG)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $47,900 (C-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 400,000 (public network partnerships)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 22 minutes (250 kW DC charging)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 170+ countries
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (Founded 1926)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG (2024 C-Class base)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 35+ variants
Estimated Resale Value Retention (3-Year)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50,000 miles
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 603 hp (E53 AMG)
Average Resale Value Retention (3 years)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $48,900 (C-Class)
Consumer Reports Overall Reliability Rating
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4MATIC standard on select models
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI and predictive navigation
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 15+ models across all powertrains
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50% EV sales target by 2030
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (GLC 300)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.9 seconds (GLC 300)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 22 mpg (GLC 300)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 inches (MBUX)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 71/100 (Average)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $68,500 (E-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 535 km (EQS 450+)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.35 million (2024)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3-inch MBUX
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C63)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 7.2 L/100km (C300 manual)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.8 sec (C300 2024)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (sedans, SUVs, AMG, EQ-series)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 260 (EQE 300)
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 60+ variants
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 621 (AMG E63)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (1926)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 33 MPG (C 300)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 0.1s (9-speed automatic)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 17.5:1 (E-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 150ms (MBUX)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (E-Class)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 35 dB (C-Class)
Transmission Failure Rate (10-year lifespan)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating 2024
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (avg mid-size sedan)
Lexus: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $16,380 repairs + maintenance
How to choose between Lexus and Mercedes-Benz
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz. Contains 378 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz.
Which brand has better long-term reliability?
Lexus significantly outperforms Mercedes-Benz in reliability metrics. According to J.D. Power 2024 data, Lexus scores 840/1000 compared to Mercedes-Benz's 797/1000. Over 5 years, Lexus owners spend approximately $4,200 on maintenance versus $6,800 for Mercedes-Benz owners. Lexus vehicles average 10-year longevity with minimal major repairs, while Mercedes-Benz models typically require transmission servicing around 80,000-100,000 miles.
Is Mercedes-Benz worth the higher maintenance costs?
It depends on your priorities. Mercedes-Benz offers 20% more horsepower (516 hp vs 430 hp), faster acceleration (3.2s vs 4.6s 0-60), superior autonomous driving technology (DRIVE PILOT Level 2+), and more luxurious interior materials. However, the $2,600 annual maintenance premium ($6,800 vs $4,200 over 5 years) combined with reported transmission issues in 15% of 2020-2023 models makes Lexus the better financial choice for most buyers.
Lexus holds resale value better with approximately 55% of original purchase price after 5 years, compared to Mercedes-Benz at 48%. This means a $50,000 Lexus retains $27,500 in value, while a $55,000 Mercedes-Benz retains only $26,400. Lexus's reliability reputation directly supports stronger resale demand.
What's the difference in warranty coverage?
Mercedes-Benz provides superior initial warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles (whichever comes first) compared to Lexus's 3 years/36,000 miles. This gives Mercedes-Benz owners an additional year of coverage and 14,000 more miles protected. However, Lexus vehicles historically need warranty service far less frequently, so the practical advantage narrows considerably.
Which has better technology and infotainment?
Mercedes-Benz leads in technology with its MBUX infotainment system (12.3-inch digital cluster, voice control, smartphone integration), DRIVE PILOT autonomous driving, and more frequent software updates. Lexus's newer models have improved significantly with 10.5-inch touchscreens and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but lag Mercedes-Benz by approximately 2-3 feature generations in overall system sophistication and responsiveness.
How to Choose Between Lexus and Mercedes-Benz
Consider: Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024): Lexus has 840/1000, while Mercedes-Benz has 797/1000.
Consider: Average Engine Power (Flagship Models)
Average Engine Power (Flagship Models): Lexus has 430 hp (LS 500), while Mercedes-Benz has 516 hp (S580).
Consider: 5-Year Maintenance Cost Average
5-Year Maintenance Cost Average: Lexus has $4,200, while Mercedes-Benz has $6,800.
Warranty Coverage (Basic): Lexus has 3 years/36,000 miles, while Mercedes-Benz has 4 years/50,000 miles.
Consider: Average Price (Mid-Size Sedan)
Average Price (Mid-Size Sedan): Lexus has $50,000-$65,000 (ES), while Mercedes-Benz has $55,000-$75,000 (C-Class).
Consider: Owner Satisfaction Rate (Consumer Reports 2024)
Owner Satisfaction Rate (Consumer Reports 2024): Lexus has 91%, while Mercedes-Benz has 84%.
Consider: 0-60 Acceleration (Performance Models)
0-60 Acceleration (Performance Models): Lexus has 4.6 seconds (LC 500), while Mercedes-Benz has 3.2 seconds (AMG C63).