Compare the2022 Lexus RCVS 2021 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

The RC’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the C-Class Coupe.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the RC has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the C-Class Coupe.

Both the RC and the C-Class Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and rear parking sensors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the RC the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 216 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The C-Class Coupe has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the C-Class Coupe. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the C-Class Coupe ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The RC’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the C-Class Coupe’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RC first among compact premium cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The C-Class Coupe isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 41 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Mercedes is ranked 20th.

The RC 300 AWD’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 5 more horsepower (260 vs. 255) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The RC 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 56 more horsepower (311 vs. 255) and 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 273) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

For better stopping power the RC’s brake rotors are larger than those on the C-Class Coupe:

For better traction, the RC has larger standard tires than the C-Class Coupe (235/40R19 vs. 225/45R18). The RC’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Coupe (F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

The RC offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The C-Class Coupe’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the RC is .5 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the C-Class Coupe.

For better maneuverability, the RC’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the C 300’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The RC AWD’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the C 300’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The RC has 4.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the C-Class Coupe (83.8 vs. 79.3).

The RC has .2 inches more front headroom and 3.4 inches more front legroom than the C-Class Coupe.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 28% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 6th.

The RC’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The C-Class Coupe does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The RC’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower both of them with the lock engaged. Mercedes does not offer a locking feature on the C-Class Coupe’s standard power windows.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RC offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer headlight washers.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the RC is less expensive to operate than the C-Class Coupe because it costs $491 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the RC than the C-Class Coupe, including $30 less for a water pump, $521 less for a muffler, $42 less for front brake pads, $353 less for a fuel pump and $126 less for front struts.