Compare the2024 Lexus ISVS 2023 Mercedes 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 C-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

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

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the IS has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to warn the driver of approaching traffic and automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision. Mercedes charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Alert on the C-Class Sedan.

Both the IS and the C-Class Sedan 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, 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 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 C-Class Sedan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The IS’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the 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 C-Class Sedan.

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

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 300 AWD’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 5 more horsepower (260 vs. 255) than the C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The IS 350 F Sport’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 56 more horsepower (311 vs. 255) than the C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The IS 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 217 more horsepower (472 vs. 255) and 100 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 295) than the C-Class Sedan’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the IS 300 AWD 3.5 DOHC V6 is faster than the Mercedes C-Class Sedan:

For better stopping power the IS 500 Performance’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the C-Class Sedan:

The IS stops much shorter than the C-Class Sedan:

For better traction, the IS has larger standard tires than the C-Class Sedan (235/45R18 vs. 225/45R18). The IS F Sport’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Sedan (F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

The IS has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the C-Class Sedan; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the C-Class Sedan don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The IS offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The C-Class Sedan’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 3.4 feet tighter than the C-Class Sedan’s (34.2 feet vs. 37.6 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the C-Class Sedan’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.6 feet).

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 C-Class Sedan does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus IS, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes C-Class Sedan isn't recommended.

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 C-Class Sedan isn’t in the top three.