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
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.
German luxury automaker renowned for advanced technology, performance, and engineering innovation.
Toyota's luxury division known for reliability, hybrid technology, and lower maintenance costs.
Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Mercedes-Benz vs Lexus with 444 attributes.
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
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)
Customer Satisfaction (Net Promoter Score)
Base Model Starting Price (C-Class/A4 Segment)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-5)
Reported Problems per 100 Vehicles (Year 1)
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (Maintenance + Repairs)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
Standard Infotainment Screen Size (Mid-Range Model)
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.