Lexus IS350 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

What's the difference?

VS
Lexus IS350
Lexus IS350

2021 price

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$48,900 - $181,950

2023 price

Summary

2021 Lexus IS350
2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency
8.2L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Still the same engines
  • Largely the same interior
  • Feeling a little old

  • On the compact side for size
  • Low-ground clearance may grind the teeth
  • Dynamic guidelines are trippy
2021 Lexus IS350 Summary

No it isn’t an all-new car. It might look like it, but the 2021 Lexus IS is actually a heavy facelift of the existing model, which originally went on sale way back in 2013.

There have been significant changes to the look of the new Lexus IS, including a revised front and rear end, and the company has widened the track and made “substantial chassis changes” to make it handle more adeptly, too. Plus there is a whole raft of newly added safety features and in-car technology, despite the cabin being, largely, a carryover affair.

Suffice to say that the new Lexus IS 2021 model - which the brand describes as having been “reimagined” - carries over a few strengths and weaknesses of its predecessor. But does this Japanese luxury sedan still have enough quality traits to compete with the likes of its main rivals - the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Let’s find out.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Summary

When it comes to choosing a family car, sedans are often overlooked for their long-legged wagon or beefy SUV cousins.

They're a bit of a forgotten hero but they'll always hold a piece of my heart for their practicality and (often) sexier kerb-side appeal.

If you can get used to your body cracking like a glow stick when you get in and out of them, the sedan may make a comeback!

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, in entry-level C200 form, has definitely tempted my family to consider a sedan in the future – it looks stately and refined but the driving experience also makes it fun.

Let's see what else it did right and if there was anything that could be improved.

Did I mention, I'm fond of sedans... ?

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Lexus IS350 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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