Compare the2022 Lexus LCVS 2021 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

The LC has standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The LC offers optional Auto Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The LC’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 LC 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 LC and the C-Class Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee 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 and available rear parking sensors.

The Lexus LC weighs 658 to 1013 pounds more than the Mercedes C-Class Coupe. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LC 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 LC’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the C-Class Coupe’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the LC third among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The C-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 LC 500h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 99 more horsepower (354 vs. 255) and 77 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 273) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The LC 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 216 more horsepower (471 vs. 255) and 125 lbs.-ft. more torque (398 vs. 273) than the C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the LC Coupe gets better mileage than the C-Class Coupe:

Regenerative brakes improve the LC Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The LC’s standard fuel tank has 4.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the C-Class Coupe (21.7 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The LC Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 4.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the C-Class Coupe (22.2 vs. 17.4 gallons).

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a nine-speed automatic is available for the C-Class Coupe.

The LC 500h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a CVT.

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

The LC stops shorter than the C-Class Coupe:

For better traction, the LC has larger tires than the C-Class Coupe (F:245/45R20 & R:275/40R20 vs. F:225/45R18 & R:245/40R18). The LC’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Coupe (F:245/45R20 & R:275/40R20 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LC has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the C-Class Coupe. The LC’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the C-Class Coupe.

The LC has a standard 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 a smoother ride and more stable handling, the LC’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer than on the C-Class Coupe (113 inches vs. 111.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the LC is 2.5 inches wider in the front and 3.3 inches wider in the rear than on the C-Class Coupe.

The LC 500 handles at .93 G’s, while the C 300 pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The LC 500 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the C 300 4MATIC (24.6 seconds @ .79 average G’s vs. 25.9 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the C 300’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The LC Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The LC has 6.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the C-Class Coupe (85.9 vs. 79.3).

The LC has 1.7 inches more front shoulder room and .5 inches more rear 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 LC’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.

The LC has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The LC was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2018. The C-Class Coupe has never been an “All Star.”