Compare the2022 Lexus LCVS 2021 Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet

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 S-Class Cabriolet 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.

Both the LC and the S-Class Cabriolet 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, lane departure warning systems, 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 S-Class Cabriolet. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the S-Class Cabriolet ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The LC’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the S-Class Cabriolet’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 S-Class Cabriolet 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 8 more horsepower (471 vs. 463) than the S-Class Cabriolet’s 4.0 turbo V8.

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

The LC Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the S-Class Cabriolet (22.2 vs. 21.1 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 S-Class Cabriolet.

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 S-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a CVT.

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

The LC stops much shorter than the S-Class Cabriolet:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LC has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the S 560 Cabriolet. The LC’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the S-Class Cabriolet.

The LC 500 Convertible handles at .92 G’s, while the AMG S 63 Cabriolet 4MATIC pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the S 560 Cabriolet’s (34.8 feet vs. 38 feet). The LC’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the S 560 Cabriolet’s (35.4 feet vs. 38 feet).

The Lexus LC may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 450 pounds less than the Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet.

The LC is 10.7 inches shorter than the S-Class Cabriolet, 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 S-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

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.

Insurance will cost less for the LC owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the LC will cost $4435 to $4995 less than the S-Class Cabriolet over a five-year period.

The LC will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the LC will retain 43.54% to 44.97% of its original price after five years, while the S-Class Cabriolet only retains 41.52%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Lexus LC will be $47029 to $47597 less than for the Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet.

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