Compare the2022 Lexus RCVS 2021 Mercedes E-Class Coupe

The Lexus RC has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The E-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

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 E-Class Coupe.

Both the RC and the E-Class Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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, rear cross-path warning, 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 E-Class Coupe has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the E-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 E-Class Coupe ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

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

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RC’s reliability 27 points higher than the E-Class Coupe.

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

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 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the E-Class Coupe; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the E-Class Coupe don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For better maneuverability, the RC’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the E-Class Coupe’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.1 feet). The RC AWD’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the E-Class Coupe’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.1 feet).

The Lexus RC may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 450 pounds less than the Mercedes E-Class Coupe.

The RC is 5.4 inches shorter than the E-Class Coupe, making the RC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The RC has 1.3 inches more front headroom, 3.5 inches more front legroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the E-Class Coupe.

The RC has a larger trunk than the E-Class Coupe (10.4 vs. 10 cubic feet).

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 E-Class Coupe does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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 E-Class Coupe doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Insurance will cost less for the RC owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the RC with a number “3” insurance rate while the E-Class Coupe is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the RC is less expensive to operate than the E-Class Coupe because it costs $218 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the RC than the E-Class Coupe, including $126 less for a water pump, $721 less for a muffler, $36 less for front brake pads, $40 less for a starter and $14 less for front struts.