Compare the2025 Lexus LCVS 2025 Mercedes CLE

The LC’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 CLE.

Both the LC and the CLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, 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, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

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

The LC’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the CLE’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the LC first among compact premium sporty cars in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The CLE isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 83 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 29th.

The LC 500h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 99 more horsepower (354 vs. 255) and 55 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 295) than the CLE 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The LC 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 96 more horsepower (471 vs. 375) and 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (398 vs. 369) than the CLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the LC Coupe gets better mileage than the CLE Coupe:

The LC can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for .6 miles. The CLE can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

The LC’s standard fuel tank has 4.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the CLE (21.7 vs. 17.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The LC Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 4.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the CLE (22.2 vs. 17.4 gallons).

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a nine-speed automatic is available for the CLE.

The LC 500h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CLE doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the LC’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CLE:

The LC stops shorter than the CLE:

For better traction and acceleration, the LC has larger rear tires than the CLE (275/40R20 vs. 245/45R18).

The LC’s standard 275/40R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CLE’s standard 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LC has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the CLE. The LC’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the CLE.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the LC can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. Run-flat tires aren’t available on some tire packages on the CLE.

The LC 500 handles at .93 G’s, while the CLE 450 Coupe pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The LC 500 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the CLE 450 Coupe (24.6 seconds @ .79 average G’s vs. 26 seconds @ .69 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the LC Active Rear Steering’s turning circle is 3.6 feet tighter than the CLE’s (34.8 feet vs. 38.4 feet). The LC’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the CLE’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The LC is 3.6 inches shorter than the CLE, making the LC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The LC Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CLE doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The LC Convertible has .5 inches more front legroom and .9 inches more front shoulder room than the CLE Cabriolet.

With its coupe body style, valet key and remote trunk release lockout, the LC offers cargo security. The CLE’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

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 39% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 17th.

The LC’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower both of them with the lock engaged. Mercedes does not offer a locking feature on the CLE’s standard power windows.

The LC has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The CLE doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the LC first among compact premium sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The CLE isn’t in the top three.