Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs Lexus LC
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

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2022 price

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Lexus LC

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2021 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Maserati Quattroporte

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2021 Lexus LC

By Tung Nguyen

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo 6, 3.0L

V8, 5.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.2L/100km (combined)

12.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Confident design
Genuinely sporty performance
Frameless doors are always cool

Punchy engine
Throaty exhaust
Climate-controlled cabin

Dislikes

Compromised rear-seat room
Pricier than rivals
Unergonomic steering wheel controls

Disconnect from the drive experience
Lexus trackpad tech persists
Thirsty

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Summary

Mercedes-Benz loves to fill a niche. This is the company, after all, that has a coupe version of its GLC and GLE SUVS, four-door coupes ranging in size from the CLA to the AMG GT 4-door, and enough electric vehicles to make Tesla jealous.

The nichest of all though, might the CLS, which has been updated for the 2022 model year.

Positioned above the E-Class but below the S-Class in the line-up as a sporty sedan for customers after a blend of style, technology and performance, the new CLS is available in just one engine now, while styling and equipment have also been tweaked in the update.

Can the CLS earn its place in the Mercedes line-up or is it destined to be a bit player amongst more popular models?

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2021 Lexus LC Summary

Being a true Jack of all trades in the car world is rare.

Generally speaking, a vehicle is either capable or comfortable. Attractive or aerodynamic. Practical or performance orientated. And problems arise when cars try to do all those things well, all at the same time.

Which make the Lexus LC 500 Convertible such an interesting proposition. Because it is, without doubt, stylish, and lavishly equipped. It’s also rather large and rather heavy. All of which is perfect for cruising the Bondi foreshore.

But it’s also equipped with a thumping V8 engine and a throaty exhaust that sounds like bricks in a blender on the overrun. It’s stiffer than the LFA supercar, and plenty powerful, which should deliver one of Lexus’ sportiest-ever drives.

So can the LC 500 really do it all? Let’s find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2021 Lexus LC

Verdict

Comfortable when it needs to be and sporty when you want it to be, the CLS 53 is a bit like Mercedes’ Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde – or maybe Bruce Banner and the Hulk is a better frame of reference for some.

While it doesn’t excel in any one particular area, its breadth of useability is commendable, but ultimately it might be its all-too-familiar aesthetics that is the biggest letdown.

From the inside, it looks and feels like any other large Mercedes model (not necessarily a criticism), while the exterior – in my opinion – doesn’t go far enough to differentiate it from the CLA.

After all, if you wanted a stylish and sporty sedan, shouldn’t feel special too?

Verdict

Stunning to behold, and even more so to listen to, the LC 500 Convertible with no doubt turn as many heads as its owners surely want it to. It's not the final word in performance, but it's a lavishly equipped transporter none the less.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs Lexus LC What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs Lexus LC
What's the difference?