Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Lexus ES starts from $73,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class opens at $76,900. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $3,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $81,290 and $84,590 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus ES by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.

Both the Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz C-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Lexus ES and 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus ES packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus ES and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Lexus ES adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class misses.

The Lexus ES features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a 11.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus ES stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus ES uses a Hybrid producing 160kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

The Lexus ES has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus ES measures 4,975mm long on a 2,870mm wheelbase, 224mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 4,751mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 473L in the Lexus ES and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Lexus ES a 18L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,511/year for the Lexus ES and $1,910/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.

Estimated annual total: $1,511 (Lexus ES) vs $1,910 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). The Lexus ES saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus ES)—.