Compare the2022 Lexus LCVS 2021 Mercedes E-Class Coupe

The Lexus LC 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 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 E-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 E-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 E-Class Coupe.

Both the LC and the E-Class Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LC 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 LC’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the E-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 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 LC 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 109 more horsepower (471 vs. 362) and 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (398 vs. 369) than the E-Class Coupe’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

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

The LC’s standard fuel tank has 4.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the E-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 E-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 E-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 E-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a CVT.

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

The LC stops shorter than the E-Class Coupe:

For better traction and acceleration, the LC has larger rear tires than the E-Class Coupe (275/40R20 vs. 245/45R18).

The LC’s standard 275/40R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the E-Class Coupe 4MATIC’s standard 45 series tires.

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

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the LC can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. Run-flat tires aren’t available on some tire packages on the E-Class Coupe.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the LC is 1.3 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than on the E-Class Coupe.

The LC’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the E-Class Coupe’s (55.5% to 44.5%). This gives the LC more stable handling and braking.

The LC 500 handles at .93 G’s, while the E 450 Coupe pulls only .85 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The LC 500 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the E 450 Coupe (24.6 seconds @ .79 average G’s vs. 26 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the E-Class Coupe’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.1 feet). The LC’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the E-Class Coupe’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.1 feet).

The LC is 3 inches shorter than the E-Class Coupe, making the LC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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 E-Class Coupe doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The LC has .1 inches more front legroom and .4 inches more front shoulder room than the E-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 was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2018. The E-Class has never been an “All Star.”