Mercedes-Benz emphasizes performance and cutting-edge technology with higher base prices starting around $45,000, while Lexus prioritizes reliability and value with lower starting prices around $28,000 and industry-leading dependability ratings. Mercedes appeals to performance enthusiasts, while Lexus attracts buyers seeking long-term ownership value.
Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury automaker renowned for advanced technology, performance, and engineering innovation.
Toyota's luxury division known for reliability, hybrid technology, and lower maintenance costs.
Starting Price (Entry-Level Model). Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2025). Average Warranty Coverage. 0-60 mph Acceleration (Entry Sedan). Average Maintenance Cost (5-Year). Resale Value Retention (3-Year). Infotainment System Response Time
Choose Mercedes-Benz if you prioritize performance, advanced technology, and luxury features with a willingness to accept higher maintenance costs and lower reliability ratings. Choose Lexus if you value long-term reliability, lower ownership costs, superior warranty coverage, and proven dependability that historically lasts 250,000+ miles with minimal issues.
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: 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: Varies (not standard) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (M256 3.0L turbo) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 3.9s (C63 AMG) | Lexus: 4.6 (LC 500)
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: 4 years/50k miles | Lexus: N/A
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
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: Mercedes-AMG C63: 3.6s | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: C300: 23 mpg combined | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: C-Class Sedan: 12.6 cu ft | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: EQE: 350 miles | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: MBUX Hyperscreen (9.5/10) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: Optional (4MATIC) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: EQE, EQS, EQC (strong) | Lexus: 2 models
Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG GT 63 S) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 456 miles (EQS 580) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 10-12 years | Lexus: 12-15 years
Mercedes-Benz: 81 PP100 | Lexus: 84 PP100
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
Mercedes-Benz: 5.0 (Average) | Lexus: 8.0 (Above Average)
Mercedes-Benz: 9-speed automatic | Lexus: 8-speed automatic
Mercedes-Benz: $1,680 (mid-size luxury) | Lexus: $1,450 (mid-size luxury)
Mercedes-Benz: 3 years / 36,000 miles | Lexus: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz: 516 (S580) | Lexus: 430 (LS 500)
Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches (MBUX standard) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Lexus: 3 years/36,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz: Smooth, comfort-focused | 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) | Lexus: N/A
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (founded 1926) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 6+ EV models across segments | 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: 48 months/50,000 miles | Lexus: 3/36,000
Mercedes-Benz: 4.3 (C63 AMG) | Lexus: 5.8 (IS 350)
Mercedes-Benz: 4 of 11 lineup | Lexus: 8 of 10 lineup
Mercedes-Benz: 4 years | Lexus: 10 years
Mercedes-Benz: 9 models (4 hybrid + 5 EV) | Lexus: 9 models (7 hybrid + 2 EV)
Mercedes-Benz: 27 (GLE 450) | Lexus: 40 (RX 450h)
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) | Lexus: N/A
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-3)
Mercedes-Benz: 4yr / 50,000 mi | Lexus: 6 year / 70,000 mi
Interior Material Standard (Leather Type)
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: ~3,500 dealerships | 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) | Lexus: N/A
Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan Base Model)
Mercedes-Benz: Hand-stitched Nappa leather, ambient lighting | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 435 miles (EQS 580) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 79/100 | Lexus: 89 (Excellent)
Mercedes-Benz: 5.8 (C 300) | Lexus: 8.2 (ES 250)
Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Lexus: 5 years / 60,000 miles
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) | Lexus: N/A
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Model)
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 | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 6.9/10 | Lexus: 81 out of 100
Estimated Resale Value Retention (3-Year)
Mercedes-Benz: 50,000 miles | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 603 hp (E53 AMG) | Lexus: N/A
Average Resale Value Retention (3 years)
Mercedes-Benz: $48,900 (C-Class) | Lexus: N/A
Consumer Reports Overall Reliability Rating
Mercedes-Benz: 4MATIC standard on select models | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI and predictive navigation | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 5.8 seconds | Lexus: 7.1 seconds
Mercedes-Benz: 15+ models across all powertrains | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 50% EV sales target by 2030 | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 0.8 seconds | Lexus: 1.2 seconds
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: $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) | Lexus: N/A
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Mercedes-Benz: 5.3 seconds | Lexus: 8.2 seconds
Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches OLED | Lexus: 8-14 inches (standard 10.5)
Mercedes-Benz: 28 MPG (C300 base) | Lexus: 44 MPG (ES Hybrid)
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) | Lexus: N/A
Transmission Failure Rate (10-year lifespan)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating 2024
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (avg mid-size sedan)
Mercedes-Benz: $16,380 repairs + maintenance | Lexus: N/A
Starting Price (2026 3-Series vs C-Class)
Mercedes-Benz: 26 (C-Class Turbo) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 402 (AMG C43) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 10 years / 100,000 | Lexus: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz: 75 (Average) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 81 | Lexus: 83 (Above Average)
Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 inches dual | Lexus: 8-14 inches
Flagship Model Price (911 Turbo S / S-Class 580)
Mercedes-Benz: 3.6 (AMG C63) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 180 (S-Class 580) | Lexus: N/A
Infotainment System Display Size (Standard)
Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 (MBUX Hyperscreen) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 6.5 seconds (GLE 450) | Lexus: 8.2 seconds (RX 350)
Mercedes-Benz: 380ms (MBUX) | Lexus: 850ms (Mark Levinson)
Mercedes-Benz: 3-4 years / 50,000-60,000 miles | Lexus: N/A
Customer Satisfaction (Net Promoter Score)
Mercedes-Benz: $50,000-$75,000 (C-Class/E-Class) | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 12+ dedicated models | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 11.9-12.3 inches | Lexus: 10.5 inches
Mercedes-Benz: 200+ countries | Lexus: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: $3,800 (gasoline) | Lexus: N/A
Base Model Starting Price (C-Class/A4 Segment)
Mercedes-Benz: 8+ (EQE, EQS, EQG, etc.) | Lexus: N/A
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-5)
Reported Problems per 100 Vehicles (Year 1)
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (Maintenance + Repairs)
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: $48,500 (IS 300)
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: 290 dealerships
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: 228 miles (RZ 450e)
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: 471 hp (LC 500)
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: ~75% of lineup
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: 5.8 sec (ES 350)
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: 10 years / 150,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: 8.6 out of 10
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Lexus: 1,450 dealers
Standard Infotainment Screen Size (Mid-Range Model)
How to choose between Mercedes-Benz and Lexus
Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus. Contains 444 attribute comparisons, 4 FAQ pairs.
Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus.
Is Mercedes-Benz or Lexus more reliable?
Lexus is significantly more reliable than Mercedes-Benz based on every major reliability study. J.D. Power's 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study — the industry standard for 3-year reliability — ranked Lexus #1 overall at 133 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), compared to Mercedes-Benz at 190 PP100, which is above the luxury segment average of 180. Consumer Reports rates Lexus "A+" for reliability and Mercedes-Benz "C" — a meaningful gap that correlates with real-world owner experiences. Mercedes's technology-forward approach (MBUX infotainment, complex suspension systems, advanced driver assists) introduces more software and electronics complexity, which drives up problems. Lexus's more conservative technology introduction philosophy and Toyota's engineering culture produce higher-reliability results. For buyers planning to keep their car 5-7 years, the reliability difference translates into meaningfully fewer dealer visits and lower out-of-warranty repair costs.
Which holds its value better, Mercedes or Lexus?
Lexus holds its value significantly better than Mercedes-Benz. According to iSeeCars' 2026 depreciation data, Lexus vehicles retain approximately 51.8% of their value at 3 years, compared to Mercedes-Benz at approximately 42.3%. On specific models, the Lexus ES retains ~53% at 3 years vs. the Mercedes E-Class at ~44% — a difference of about $5,000-$8,000 on a $50,000 vehicle. Several factors drive Lexus's superior retention: higher reliability ratings reduce buyer risk discounts, Toyota's parts availability and dealer network is more cost-effective, and Lexus's reputation for long-term durability appeals to used-car buyers. Mercedes's stronger initial technology features don't translate into better used-car value because buyers discount complex electronics risk. For buyers who lease, Mercedes may offer more competitive money factor rates on luxury models. For buyers purchasing to own long-term, Lexus's superior retention reduces the total cost of ownership.
Is Lexus cheaper to maintain than Mercedes?
Yes — Lexus is significantly cheaper to maintain than Mercedes-Benz. Edmunds' 2026 True Cost to Own analysis estimates Lexus saves approximately $7,200 over 5 years in maintenance and repair costs compared to a comparable Mercedes model. Mercedes's expensive scheduled maintenance (required service intervals with OEM parts), higher parts costs, and higher frequency of repairs drive this gap. Specific comparisons: Lexus ES 350 5-year maintenance cost estimate ~$4,200 vs Mercedes E-Class ~$8,800 over the same period; Lexus NX vs Mercedes GLC: ~$3,900 vs ~$7,500. Mercedes's out-of-warranty repairs are especially costly for electronics-heavy components (AIRMATIC suspension, MBUX infotainment modules, air conditioning system). Lexus benefits from Toyota's extensive parts supply chain, lower labor requirements due to fewer issues, and a hybrid powertrain with an industry-leading 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.
Does Mercedes or Lexus have better technology?
Mercedes-Benz leads in technology features, particularly cabin technology and powertrain innovation. The MBUX Hyperscreen (available on S-Class and EQS) is a 56-inch curved display spanning the dashboard — nothing in Lexus's lineup matches it for visual ambition. Mercedes's E-Active Body Control suspension (S-Class) uses cameras to read road surfaces and pre-adjusts dampers for individual wheel travel — genuinely sophisticated engineering. AMG's hybrid performance systems (AMG ONE, AMG GT hybrid) represent automotive technology at the frontier. Lexus counters with its own technologies: the Lexus Interface multimedia system is more intuitive and bug-free than MBUX; Lexus's Multi-Stage Hybrid System (LC 500h) is technically impressive; and the Lexus IS 500's naturally-aspirated V8 is a throwback technology that appeals to purists. For infotainment ease of use and real-world tech reliability, Lexus scores better. For headline-specification technology and AMG performance tech, Mercedes wins.
How to Choose Between Mercedes-Benz and Lexus
Consider: Starting Price (Entry-Level Model)
Starting Price (Entry-Level Model): Mercedes-Benz has $45,000 (C-Class), while Lexus has $28,000 (ES 250).
Consider: Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2025)
Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2025): Mercedes-Benz has 81/100 (Above Average), while Lexus has 89/100 (Excellent).
Average Warranty Coverage: Mercedes-Benz has 4 years/50,000 miles, while Lexus has 5 years/60,000 miles (bumper-to-bumper).
Consider: 0-60 mph Acceleration (Entry Sedan)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Entry Sedan): Mercedes-Benz has 5.8 seconds (C 300), while Lexus has 8.2 seconds (ES 250).
Consider: Average Maintenance Cost (5-Year)
Average Maintenance Cost (5-Year): Mercedes-Benz has $5,200, while Lexus has $3,800.
Consider: Resale Value Retention (3-Year)
Resale Value Retention (3-Year): Mercedes-Benz has 58% (Kelley Blue Book), while Lexus has 63% (Kelley Blue Book).
Consider: Infotainment System Response Time
Infotainment System Response Time: Mercedes-Benz has 0.5 seconds (MBUX), while Lexus has 1.2 seconds (Lexus Interface).
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes performance and cutting-edge technology with higher base prices starting around $45,000, while Lexus prioritizes reliability and value with lower starting prices around $28,000 and industry-leading dependability ratings. Mercedes appeals to performance enthusiasts, while Lex