Mercedes-Benz prioritizes performance and cutting-edge technology with higher horsepower outputs and advanced infotainment, while Lexus focuses on reliability and long-term durability with lower maintenance costs and industry-leading warranty coverage. Mercedes typically costs 15-20% more upfront but offers sportier handling, whereas Lexus delivers superior dependability ratings and lower total cost of ownership.
Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury brand emphasizing refined comfort, cutting-edge technology, and prestige with C-Class and E-Class sedans.
Japanese luxury brand under Toyota known for exceptional reliability, refined comfort, and excellent long-term value retention.
Average Engine Horsepower (Mid-Range Models). Dependability Rating (J.D. Power 2025). Average 5-Year Maintenance Cost. Warranty Coverage (Basic/Powertrain). Average MSRP Entry-Level Sedan. Infotainment System Response Time. Average Resale Value (5 Years, 60k mi)
Choose Mercedes-Benz if you prioritize driving performance, cutting-edge technology, and luxury features—you'll enjoy superior acceleration, responsive handling, and advanced infotainment at the cost of higher maintenance expenses. Choose Lexus if reliability, cost-effectiveness, and peace of mind matter more—you'll benefit from industry-leading dependability ratings, significantly lower maintenance costs, and better long-term resale value, making it ideal for ownership longevity.
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: 3.2 (AMG C63) | 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: 138 years (est. 1886) | 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: $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
Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 (MBUX Digital) | Lexus: 8-14 inches
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: 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: 4 years/50,000 miles | Lexus: 3 years/36,000 miles
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) | 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: 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 383 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus.
Which brand has better reliability long-term?
Lexus has a significant reliability advantage with a J.D. Power dependability rating of 84/100 compared to Mercedes's 78/100 (2025 data). Lexus vehicles average 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance, while Mercedes average 180,000 miles. This translates to Lexus owners spending 61% less on maintenance ($5,200 vs. $8,400) over 5 years.
Mercedes costs approximately $3,350 more upfront for entry-level models (C-Class: $42,300 vs. IS: $38,950) but offers 83 additional horsepower, faster 0-60 acceleration (5.8 vs. 7.1 seconds), and superior infotainment response (0.8 vs. 1.2 seconds). However, you'll pay an extra $3,200 in maintenance over 5 years, making total ownership cost higher unless performance justifies the premium for you.
Lexus significantly outperforms on resale value, retaining 67% of original price after 5 years and 60,000 miles compared to Mercedes's 61%. This 6-percentage-point advantage means a $40,000 Lexus would be worth approximately $2,400 more than a comparable Mercedes after 5 years. Lexus's reliability reputation directly drives stronger secondary market demand.
Both brands rank in the top tier for safety with comparable crash test scores (NHTSA 5-star ratings across categories). Mercedes emphasizes predictive active safety (pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise), while Lexus focuses on consistent passive protection. Both offer comprehensive airbag systems, but Mercedes's tech responds slightly faster with its 0.8-second MBUX system versus Lexus's 1.2 seconds.
Which is better for first-time luxury buyers?
Lexus is better for first-time luxury buyers due to lower upfront cost ($3,350 savings), significantly reduced maintenance burden (61% cheaper), and stronger resale value (67% vs. 61%). You'll experience luxury comfort without the financial stress of German maintenance. Mercedes is better if you're upgrading from sports cars and prioritize performance and technology over cost containment.
How to Choose Between Mercedes-Benz and Lexus
Consider: Average Engine Horsepower (Mid-Range Models)
Average Engine Horsepower (Mid-Range Models): Mercedes-Benz has 385 hp (C-Class/E-Class avg), while Lexus has 302 hp (ES/RX avg).
Consider: Dependability Rating (J.D. Power 2025)
Dependability Rating (J.D. Power 2025): Mercedes-Benz has 78/100, while Lexus has 84/100.
Consider: Average 5-Year Maintenance Cost
Average 5-Year Maintenance Cost: Mercedes-Benz has $8,400 USD, while Lexus has $5,200 USD.
Consider: Warranty Coverage (Basic/Powertrain)
Warranty Coverage (Basic/Powertrain): Mercedes-Benz has 4 years/50k mi / 5 years/100k mi, while Lexus has 3 years/36k mi / 5 years/60k mi.
Consider: Average MSRP Entry-Level Sedan
Average MSRP Entry-Level Sedan: Mercedes-Benz has $42,300 USD (C-Class), while Lexus has $38,950 USD (IS).
Consider: Infotainment System Response Time
Infotainment System Response Time: Mercedes-Benz has 0.8 seconds (MBUX), while Lexus has 1.2 seconds (Lexus Interface).
Consider: Average Resale Value (5 Years, 60k mi)
Average Resale Value (5 Years, 60k mi): Mercedes-Benz has 61% of original price, while Lexus has 67% of original price.