Compare the2024 Lexus RC FVS 2023 Mercedes AMG E-Class Coupe

The Lexus RC F 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 E-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The RC F’s standard 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. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG E-Class Coupe.

Both the RC F and the AMG E-Class Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the RC F the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 206 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG E-Class Coupe has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RC F 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the AMG E-Class Coupe. 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 E-Class Coupe ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The RC F’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the AMG E-Class Coupe’s (6 vs. 5 years).

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 RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 43 more horsepower (472 vs. 429) and 11 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 384) than the AMG E-Class Coupe’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

The RC F’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The AMG E-Class Coupe doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the RC F’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG E-Class Coupe:

The RC F Track Edition has standard heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The AMG E-Class Coupe doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The RC F stops shorter than the AMG E-Class Coupe:

For better traction, the RC F’s front tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG E-Class Coupe (F:255/35R19 & R:275/35R19 vs. F:245/40R19 & R:275/35R19).

The RC F’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG E-Class Coupe’s standard 40 series front tires.

The RC F 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 AMG E-Class Coupe; 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 AMG E-Class Coupe don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The RC F handles at .92 G’s, while the AMG E 53 Coupe pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The RC F executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the AMG E 53 Coupe (24.7 seconds @ .77 average G’s vs. 25.3 seconds @ .74 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RC F’s turning circle is 4.3 feet tighter than the AMG E-Class Coupe’s (35.4 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The Lexus RC F may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 650 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG E-Class Coupe.

The RC F is 5.2 inches shorter than the AMG E-Class Coupe, making the RC F easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The RC F uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The AMG E-Class Coupe doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The RC F has .1 inches more front headroom and 3.5 inches more front legroom than the AMG E-Class Coupe.

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.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RC F offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The AMG E-Class Coupe doesn’t offer headlight washers.