Compare the2024 Lexus RCVS 2025 Mercedes CLE

Full-time four-wheel drive is available on the RC. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the CLE.

The RC’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 RC and the CLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger 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.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RC 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 RC’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the CLE’s (6 vs. 5 years).

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 RC 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 CLE; 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 CLE don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For better maneuverability, the RC’s turning circle is 4.2 feet tighter than the CLE’s (34.2 feet vs. 38.4 feet). The RC AWD’s turning circle is 3.6 feet tighter than the CLE’s (34.8 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The Lexus RC may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 600 pounds less than the Mercedes CLE.

The RC is 6 inches shorter than the CLE, making the RC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

With its coupe body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the RC 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 RC’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.

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 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The CLE doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The RC is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The CLE doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.