Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Lexus ES

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from $76,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $73,900. 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 $84,590 and $81,290 respectively.

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

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

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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 8 in the Lexus ES. The Lexus ES adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class misses.

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

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

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

The Lexus ES responds with a Hybrid making 160kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures 4,751mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 224mm shorter than the Lexus ES at 4,975mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 473L in the Lexus ES, 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 $1,910/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and $1,511/year for the Lexus ES. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.

Estimated annual total: $1,910 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs $1,511 (Lexus ES). 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus ES).