Compare the2023 Mercedes C-Class SedanVS 2023 Lexus ES

The C-Class Sedan’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The ES doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the C-Class Sedan and the ES have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, around view monitors 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 Sedan’s warranty.

The C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 52 more horsepower (255 vs. 203) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 184) than the ES 250 AWD’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 40 more horsepower (255 vs. 215) than the ES 300h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 28 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 267) than the ES 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Mercedes C-Class Sedan is faster than the ES 350 3.5 DOHC V6:

On the EPA test cycle the C-Class Sedan gets better mileage than the ES:

Both the C-Class Sedan and the ES Hybrid have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All C-Class Sedans have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

The C-Class Sedan has 4.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the ES Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (17.4 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The C-Class Sedan has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the ES’ standard fuel tank (17.4 vs. 15.9 gallons).

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes C-Class Sedan higher (7 out of 10) than the Lexus ES (5 to 7). This means the C-Class Sedan produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the ES every 15,000 miles.

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

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

The C-Class Sedan’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the ES are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the C-Class Sedan has larger standard tires than the ES (F:225/45R18 & R:245/40R18 vs. 215/55R17).

The C-Class Sedan’s standard 225/45R18 front and 245/40R18 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series front and 40 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the ES’ standard 55 series tires. The C-Class Sedan’s optional 255/35R19 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the ES F Sport’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the C-Class Sedan has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the ES.

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

The C-Class Sedan has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The ES’ suspension doesn’t offer rear gas-charged shocks.

The C-Class Sedan’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 ES doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The C-Class Sedan is 8.9 inches shorter than the ES, making the C-Class Sedan easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Mercedes C-Class Sedan amounts to more than styling. The C-Class Sedan has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .24 Cd. That is lower than the ES (.26 to .29) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the C-Class Sedan get better fuel mileage.

The C-Class Sedan has 3.1 inches more front hip room, .4 inches more front shoulder room, 3.8 inches more rear hip room and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the ES.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the C-Class Sedan’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The ES’ useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

The C-Class Sedan’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The ES doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

The engine in the C-Class Sedan is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the ES. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the ES, the C-Class Sedan has standard driver and 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 Sedan’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 ES.

The C-Class Sedan’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 ES’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Consumer Reports rated the C-Class Sedan’s headlight performance “Excellent,” a higher rating than the ES’ headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The C-Class Sedan has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The ES doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

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

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