Lexus ES 350 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lexus ES 350 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Lexus ES 350 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

In comparing the Lexus ES 350's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 350 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Lexus ES 350 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Lexus ES 350's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 350 is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Pricing: A used 2025 Lexus ES 350 ranges from $39,995 to $53,481 while a used 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is priced between $41,991 to $59,895. For a new model, the Lexus ES 350's price is between $45,876 and $56,904, with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class priced between $50,050 and $69,405.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lexus ES 350 loses 42.1 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 52.5 percent of its value. This means the Lexus ES 350 retains 10.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lexus ES 350 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Lexus ES 350 being ranked 1 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 1 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lexus ES 350 is 7.9 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Lexus ES 350 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lexus ES 350’s base engine makes 302 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class base engine makes 255 horsepower. The ES 350 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 509 miles. The C-Class is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 609 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus ES 350. The ES 350 uses regular unleaded, and the C-Class uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Lexus ES 350, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Lexus ES 350 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.