Mercedes-Benz Eqa350 vs Lexus RC350
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz Eqa350

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2023 price

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Lexus RC350

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2020 price

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Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqa350

2020 Lexus RC350

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

V6, 3.5L

Fuel Type

Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

9.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Muscular performance
Modern interior
Great seats

Striking exterior design
Feels rather luxurious
Unrivalled value for money

Dislikes

Too expensive
Trails many on too many fronts
Lacks the final dynamic polish its pricing demands

Infuriating multimedia system
Token second row of seats
Not very fuel efficient

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqa350 Summary

Have you ever wished for an electric version of a high-riding hatchback, something like a Subaru XV, but with batteries and a bit more prestige?

Clearly, many luxury car buyers have, as the conceptually similar EQA 250 has proven since launching in Australia at the tail end of 2020. Mercedes-Benz can’t import enough of them.

Now, there’s a 350 4Matic version, with two electric motors, not one, all-wheel instead of just front-wheel drive, and appreciably stronger performance.

But in the two years since the EQA’s debut, the EV landscape has transformed, with Korea and China leading in innovation, disrupting the long-established order of things.

In other words, can the new 350 4Matic cut it? Read on.

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2020 Lexus RC350 Summary

If it wasn’t for this review appearing on your screen right now, would you have even remembered the Lexus RC was a thing?

At the time of writing, the RC is actually the fifth most popular model in its sports car segment. Yep, only the two-door versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, and BMW 4 Series and Z4 sell better.

So, why is the RC seemingly invisible? But more importantly, does it deserve to be? Let’s test the RC 350 F Sport to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqa350 2020 Lexus RC350

Verdict

On one hand, the EQA 350 4Matic has the styling, interior presentation, forceful performance and handling prowess to make you forgive its very expensive price tag, especially when so many rival EVs are also so talented.

But there’s too much that’s ordinary about this Mercedes to justify its huge ask, including a lack of that final polish in the way it drives and rides.

Despite being a recent release, the EQA is already feeling beyond its age. For the money, the 350 4Matic feels out of its depth.

Verdict

If you’re a buyer that thinks with their head, the RC 350 F Sport is the obvious choice when compared to its direct rivals.

After all, it looks great (at least to these eyes), feels luxurious in more ways than one, and is unrivalled when considering value-for-money.

But, if you think with your heart instead, it’s clear it is isn’t on the same level dynamically and therefore doesn’t feel as sporty to drive as its name suggests.

So, don’t let its sports car classification fool you, the RC 350 F Sport is more of a grand tourer, or a comfortable cruiser, to be precise, and an underrated one at that.

Mercedes-Benz Eqa350 vs Lexus RC350 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz Eqa350 vs Lexus RC350
What's the difference?