Lexus prioritizes reliability and lower maintenance costs with a Toyota powertrain foundation, while Mercedes-Benz emphasizes luxury features, advanced technology, and performance with higher prestige but greater long-term ownership expenses. Lexus vehicles typically cost 30-40% less to maintain over 10 years.
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Lexus if you prioritize reliability, lower total cost of ownership, and hassle-free maintenance over a longer ownership period—ideal for practical luxury buyers seeking Toyota's engineering. Choose Mercedes-Benz if you value cutting-edge technology, performance dynamics, prestige brand status, and advanced features like MBUX infotainment, accepting higher maintenance and ownership costs for a premium experience.
Toyota's luxury division known for reliability, hybrid technology, and lower maintenance costs.
German luxury automaker emphasizing advanced technology, performance, and premium brand prestige.
Owner Satisfaction (Consumer Reports 2024)
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz with 396 attributes.
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
Standard Infotainment Screen Size (Mid-Range Model)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-3)
Interior Material Standard (Leather Type)
Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan Base Model)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Model)
Estimated Resale Value Retention (3-Year)
Average Resale Value Retention (3 years)
Consumer Reports Overall Reliability Rating
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Transmission Failure Rate (10-year lifespan)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating 2024
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (avg mid-size sedan)
Starting Price (2026 3-Series vs C-Class)
Flagship Model Price (911 Turbo S / S-Class 580)
Infotainment System Display Size (Standard)
Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Lexus vs Mercedes-Benz.
Which brand has lower maintenance costs?
Lexus has significantly lower maintenance costs. Over 10 years, Lexus owners pay approximately $4,500-5,500 compared to Mercedes owners who spend $8,500-10,500. This 45% cost difference is due to Lexus's Toyota engineering foundation, simpler turbo-free engines, and cheaper OEM parts availability. Mercedes requires specialized service visits, expensive turbocharged engine maintenance, and complex electrical system repairs.
Lexus is more reliable with a J.D. Power 2024 rating of 83/100 versus Mercedes' 76/100. Lexus vehicles average 7-8 years before first major repair, while Mercedes typically require significant repairs by year 5-6. Lexus's Toyota platform, proven naturally aspirated engines, and redundant safety systems contribute to superior long-term dependability.
Does Mercedes have better technology than Lexus?
Yes, Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system is superior with 380ms response times versus Lexus's 850ms, AI voice assistants, real-time traffic integration across 188 countries, and smartphone-level functionality. However, Lexus's Mark Levinson audio and climate systems are reliable; Mercedes' advanced tech sometimes requires expensive repairs when software updates fail.
Which brand holds its resale value better?
Lexus retains value better with only 48% depreciation over 3 years compared to Mercedes' 57% depreciation. A Lexus RX350 worth $52,000 new sells for $27,000 at 3 years old, while a comparable Mercedes GLE 450 drops from $65,000 to $28,000. This is because Lexus buyers prioritize long-term ownership, creating stronger used markets.
Should I buy Lexus or Mercedes for performance?
Mercedes wins decisively for performance. AMG variants deliver 503+ HP with 0-60 in under 4 seconds, while Lexus base models need 8+ seconds. However, Lexus F Sport models (RX F, IS F) provide 475+ HP at lower service costs. Choose Mercedes for track capability; choose Lexus F if you want spirited driving without six-figure repair bills.