Is Benz more expensive than Lexus?
In general, Mercedes-Benz models carry higher starting prices than Lexus for similar luxury-segment vehicles in the United States, though the gap narrows at entry level and can vary by model and chosen options.
To understand this, this article compares typical US MSRP ranges for base variants from Mercedes-Benz and Lexus across common vehicle segments as of 2025. Prices shown are base MSRPs and do not include destination charges, taxes, or optional equipment, which can significantly affect final sticker prices.
Price landscape by segment
Below are representative starting prices for comparable models in the U.S. market. The figures reflect base variants and can shift with trims, packages, and incentives.
Entry-level models
Entry-level luxury models show where the price gap begins to appear, though there are close rivals depending on configuration.
- Mercedes-Benz CLA/CLA-class: from around $38,000
- Lexus UX: from around $39,000
At the very entry level, Mercedes and Lexus pricing can be very close, with small differences depending on options and market.
Sedans and compact luxury
Compacts and small sedans illustrate a modest gap in favor of Lexus in some trims, while others line up more closely.
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class: from around $43,000
- Lexus IS: from around $40,000
- Lexus ES: from around $41,000
In the compact and midsize sedan space, Mercedes-Benz often begins higher, though Lexus offerings remain competitive on price and value depending on features chosen.
SUVs and crossovers
For utility models, price differences can be more pronounced due to larger SUV designs and available feature sets.
- Mercedes-Benz GLC: from around $44,000
- Lexus NX: from around $39,000
- Mercedes-Benz GLE: from around $58,000
- Lexus RX: from around $46,000
The luxury SUV segment often shows Lexus offering lower entry prices, while Mercedes can rise quickly with larger or more feature-rich configurations.
Flagships and high-end models
In the top tier, price separation is more pronounced due to premium engineering, materials, and technology.
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class: from around $110,000
- Lexus LS: from around $80,000
For flagship luxury, Mercedes typically sits at a higher base price, with the Lexus LS providing strong value at a lower starting point while still offering extensive luxury features.
Ownership costs and value considerations
Sticker price is only part of the picture. Maintenance, depreciation, insurance, and available warranties influence the total cost of ownership. Lexus has a reputation for reliability and strong resale value, which can offset a higher initial price over time. Mercedes-Benz often emphasizes advanced technology, performance, and a broader array of options, which can push both the upfront cost and the long-term cost of ownership higher—especially when specifying premium packages and larger engines.
Both brands offer ongoing maintenance plans and warranties that vary by year and region. Buyers should consider not only the sticker price but also what each configuration costs over a 5- to 7-year horizon, including expected depreciation and service costs.
Bottom line
Overall, Mercedes-Benz models generally carry higher starting prices than Lexus across many segments, particularly in midsize and flagship categories. However, price parity can occur at entry levels or with specific configurations, and regional promotions or incentives can tilt the numbers. When choosing between the two, customers should compare specific trims, standard features, and total ownership costs—not just the base MSRPs.
Summary
- Mercedes-Benz tends to have higher base prices than Lexus for comparable models in the U.S., especially in higher segments and with premium options.
- Entry-level price differences are smaller, with some overlap between the two brands.
- Total ownership costs, including maintenance and depreciation, can influence value as much as the sticker price.
For readers evaluating a purchase, the best approach is to compare the exact trims and options you want, estimate the total cost of ownership, and consider regional pricing and incentives to determine which brand offers greater value for your needs.
Do Lexus last longer than Mercedes?
And tightened quality control especially on the newer. MRA2-based platforms like the GLC. And E-Class. Still they'll never have the parts simplicity or dealer network ease that Lexus.
Which luxury brand car is the cheapest to maintain?
Tesla, Lexus, and Genesis are generally considered the cheapest luxury car brands to maintain, with Tesla having the lowest 10-year average cost of around $4,287$ 4 comma 287$4,287. This is followed by Lexus at approximately $7,130$ 7 comma 130$7,130 and Genesis at about $7,626$ 7 comma 626$7,626 for the first decade of ownership. These low costs are largely due to the reliability and strong quality control of Lexus, the simplicity of some Tesla models, and the newer, simpler design of Genesis vehicles.
- Tesla: Has the lowest 10-year maintenance and repair cost of any luxury brand, estimated at around $4,287$ 4 comma 287$4,287.
- Lexus: Benefits from Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability, leading to lower maintenance costs (around $7,130$ 7 comma 130$7,130 over 10 years).
- Genesis: The newer luxury brand from Hyundai has shown low maintenance costs compared to many European luxury brands, with an estimated 10-year cost of $7,626$ 7 comma 626$7,626.
- Acura: As Honda's luxury division, Acura models also benefit from the brand's reputation for dependability and lower repair costs.
Which car is more expensive than Mercedes?
10 most expensive cars in the world in 2025
- Rolls-Royce Sweptail | ₹108 Crores | $13 Million.
- Bugatti Centodieci | ₹75 Crores | $9 Million.
- Mercedes-Maybach Exelero | ₹66 Crores | $8 Million.
- Pagani Huayra Codalunga | ₹61 Crores | $7 Million.
- Bugatti Divo | ₹48 Crores | $5 Million.
- Not merely expensive cars!
Is Lexus more luxurious than Mercedes?
Mercedes-Benz is generally considered more luxurious than Lexus, particularly in its high-end models, due to its emphasis on advanced technology, sophisticated styling, and powerful performance. Lexus offers a luxury experience that is often more traditional, with a stronger emphasis on reliability and value, though its interiors may not feel as opulent as those of Mercedes-Benz in head-to-head comparisons.
This video discusses the differences in reliability and long-term costs between Lexus and Mercedes-Benz: 59sCarLandTVYouTube · Jul 20, 2025
Mercedes-Benz: The luxury leader
- Advanced Technology: Mercedes-Benz often leads in integrating cutting-edge technology, from standard features like ambient lighting to optional ones like massaging seats.
- Sophisticated Style: Interiors are frequently praised for their premium materials, modern design, and a more opulent atmosphere, especially in models like the S-Class.
- Performance: Mercedes-Benz offers higher-performance options, including the AMG line, and models with more potent engines and more dynamic handling.
- Standard Features: In many comparable models, Mercedes-Benz includes more standard luxury features, even if its starting prices are sometimes higher.
This video compares the Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLE, two popular luxury SUVs: 58sCarMaxYouTube · Dec 18, 2024
Lexus: The reliable luxury option
- Reliability: Lexus is renowned for its long-term reliability and lower maintenance costs, which can be a significant advantage.
- Value: The brand is often seen as offering a better value proposition, with many drivers finding its ownership costs to be lower.
- Comfortable and Practical: Lexus interiors are comfortable and feature high-quality materials, though they may be considered more traditional and less flashy than Mercedes-Benz offerings.
- Spaciousness: While interiors are comfortable, some comparisons note that Lexus cabins and trunks can be smaller than those of their Mercedes-Benz counterparts.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Mercedes-Benz if: Your priority is the latest technology, a more overtly luxurious and high-performance driving experience, and a more prestigious brand image. Be prepared for potentially higher long-term ownership costs.
- Choose Lexus if: You prioritize long-term reliability, lower maintenance costs, and a more practical and traditional luxury experience. Be prepared for less cutting-edge technology and a less flamboyant design compared to Mercedes-Benz.
