Compare the2024 Lexus ISVS 2023 Mercedes AMG C-Class Sedan

The Lexus IS 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 AMG C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The IS has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG C-Class Sedan 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.

The IS’ 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. The AMG C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

Both the IS and the AMG C-Class Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear 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, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the IS 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the AMG C-Class Sedan. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the AMG C-Class Sedan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The IS’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the AMG C-Class Sedan’s (6 vs. 5 years).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the IS’ reliability 40 points higher than the AMG C-Class Sedan.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The AMG C-Class Sedan isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 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 above average in initial quality. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 24th.

The IS 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 70 more horsepower (472 vs. 402) and 26 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 369) than the AMG C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the IS 500 5.0 DOHC V8 is faster than the Mercedes AMG C-Class Sedan:

The IS F Sport’s 235/40R19 front and 265/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG C-Class Sedan’s 45 series tires.

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 5.1 feet tighter than the AMG C-Class Sedan’s (34.2 feet vs. 39.3 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the AMG C-Class Sedan’s (35.4 feet vs. 39.3 feet).

The Lexus IS may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 400 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG C-Class Sedan.

The IS is 3.2 inches shorter than the AMG C-Class Sedan, making the IS easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 48% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

The IS’ instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The AMG C-Class Sedan does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The IS is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AMG C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus IS, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The AMG C-Class Sedan was rated third.