Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Lexus ES
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$76,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$65,540RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from $76,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $65,540. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $11,360.
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 $72,094 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus ES by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006349 · published 15 May 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, vehicle management systems connected to the fuse box may fail.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-006345 · published 29 Apr 2025The driver’s seat belt safety cap may have been incorrectly installed and could become loose.Year range on the notice: 2024
- 62 more on the model page.
Lexus ES
- REC-005374 · published 6 Apr 2020The fuel pump on affected vehicles may stop operating.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2019
- REC-005366 · published 31 Jul 2019Some brake booster pumps may be manufactured improperly, and may cause the brake assist function to stop operating while driving.Year range on the notice: 2019
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus ES gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for 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.
Drivetrain
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 7.3 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 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
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 454L in the Lexus ES, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 1L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.6m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and $1,368/year for the Lexus ES. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.
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).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus ES if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Top CarSorted Score, 74 vs 73, but the Lexus ES is $11,360 cheaper
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (74 vs 73), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 23), fuel economy (Lexus ES ahead by 19), performance (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 12). The Lexus ES will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus ES?
The Lexus ES is the cheapest at $65,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by $11,360.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Lexus ES, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the largest boot at 455L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus ES makes the most power at 160kW. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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