Compare the2023 Mercedes C-Class CoupeVS 2023 Lexus RC

The C-Class Coupe has standard whiplash protection, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the whiplash protection system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The RC doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The C-Class Coupe offers an optional Surround View System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The RC only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the C-Class Coupe and the RC 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, lane departure warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

There are over 57 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the C-Class Coupe’s warranty.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the C-Class Coupe’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the RC’s camshafts. If the RC’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

The C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 14 more horsepower (255 vs. 241) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 258) than the RC 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The C-Class Coupe’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 236) than the RC 300 AWD’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6.

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

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the C-Class Coupe’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The RC doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes C-Class Coupe higher (6 out of 10) than the Lexus RC (5). This means the C-Class Coupe produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the RC every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes C-Class Coupe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the RC.

For better traction and acceleration, the C-Class Coupe has larger standard rear tires than the RC (245/40R18 vs. 235/40R19).

The C-Class Coupe’s standard 245/40R18 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RC’s standard 45 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the C-Class Coupe can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The RC doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The C-Class Coupe’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The RC doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the C-Class Coupe’s wheelbase is 4.3 inches longer than on the RC (111.8 inches vs. 107.5 inches).

The C 300 handles at .91 G’s, while the RC 350 AWD pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The C-Class Coupe has .1 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 4.7 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the RC.

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the C-Class Coupe easier. The C-Class Coupe’s trunk lift-over height is 25.3 inches, while the RC’s liftover is 27.6 inches.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the C-Class Coupe’s power trunk can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The RC doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Standard Trailer Stabilization Program on the C-Class Coupe uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The RC doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The C-Class Coupe has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The RC doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the RC, the C-Class Coupe offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The C-Class Coupe’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the RC.

The C-Class Coupe offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The RC doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The C-Class Coupe’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The RC’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The C-Class Coupe’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The RC’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the C-Class Coupe offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The RC doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes C-Class offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The RC doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The C-Class Coupe’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The RC doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Mercedes C-Class comes in coupe, convertible and sedan bodystyles; the Lexus RC isn’t available as a convertible or sedan.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the C-Class Coupe is less expensive to operate than the RC because typical repairs cost much less on the C-Class Coupe than the RC, including $276 less for a starter, $237 less for fuel injection, $972 less for a timing belt/chain and $641 less for a power steering pump.

The Mercedes C-Class outsold the Lexus RC by almost 10 to one during 2022.