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Which car is better, Lexus or Mercedes?

In broad terms, Lexus tends to offer superior reliability and lower ownership costs, while Mercedes-Benz often leads in luxury feel, tech, and driving dynamics. Your decision depends on what you value most in a luxury car.

This article compares the two brands across several key criteria—reliability, cost of ownership, technology, interior luxury, performance, and model breadth—using current 2024–2025 models to reflect the latest updates and offerings.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

The following points summarize how the two brands compare on reliability and ownership costs.

Lexus is widely recognized for reliability and generally lower ongoing maintenance costs, thanks to Toyota engineering and a strong track record in dependability studies.

Mercedes-Benz delivers high luxury and strong engineering, but maintenance and parts costs can be higher, which can impact total ownership expenses even when reliability is solid.

Warranty and maintenance coverage are broadly similar across luxury brands, with variations by model and powertrain; newer electrified offerings can introduce different maintenance profiles.

Resale value tends to be strong for both brands, though Lexus often holds value particularly well in many segments due to its reliability and appeal to used-car buyers.

Overall, on reliability and cost to own, Lexus commonly edges ahead for buyers prioritizing value and predictability; Mercedes offers greater luxury and prestige with potentially higher ongoing costs.

Technology and Interior Luxury

Key features shaping the cabin experience and usability:

Mercedes-Benz often leads with its MBUX infotainment system, including large screens, intuitive voice control, and options like the Hyperscreen on select models for a highly tech-forward cabin.

Lexus emphasizes refined materials and a quiet, comfortable interior, with the newer Lexus Interface delivering improved navigation, responsive voice control, and user-friendly ergonomics.

Both brands offer robust driver-assistance features; Mercedes generally pushes cutting-edge tech packages, while Lexus focuses on ease of use and reliability with standard safety systems on many trims.

In practice, Mercedes typically appeals to buyers seeking the latest in cabin tech and ultra-luxury ambiance, whereas Lexus appeals to those who want a serene, well-built interior with straightforward controls and proven reliability.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Mechanical prowess and tuning philosophies:

Mercedes-Benz provides a broad engine lineup, including high-performance AMG variants that deliver strong acceleration, dynamic handling, and a sporty exhaust character—especially in models like the AMG-enhanced C-Class and E-Class lines.

Lexus prioritizes smooth, refined power delivery and comfort, with F Sport and performance-oriented models that offer engaging driving dynamics, but the emphasis is generally on a balanced, quiet ride rather than extreme track-ready performance.

In daily driving, Mercedes often feels more athletic and poised, while Lexus emphasizes serenity, predictability, and a refined sense of power.

Bottom line: If you want a thrill-forward, performance-focused experience, Mercedes AMG models are compelling; if you seek polished power with a serene, reliable character, Lexus is a strong choice.

Model Range and Electrification

How they line up in price, size, and electrified options:

Lexus offers a spectrum from compact to full-size, including sedans (ES), SUVs (NX, RX, LX, GX), and performance models (LC). The brand is expanding electrification with hybrids across many models and the all-electric RZ 450e joining the lineup in recent years.

Mercedes-Benz provides a broader tiered lineup—from entry-level A-Class to flagship S-Class—plus a large SUV family (GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS) and a wide range of AMG performance variants. Its EQ brand covers full electrification with models like the EQS and EQE.

Electrification strategy: Mercedes has aggressively pushed BEVs across its lineup, while Lexus combines efficient hybrids with a growing but smaller all-electric offering to complement traditional petrol models.

Conclusion: Mercedes offers broader market coverage and a more aggressive electrification push; Lexus focuses on reliability and a curated lineup with a growing but narrower electrified portfolio.

Safety, Warranty and After-Sales Support

Safety features and dealership experience:

Both brands equip advanced driver-assistance features; Lexus Safety System+ is widely standard across models, while Mercedes provides strong optional safety suites that add semi-autonomous capabilities on many trims.

Warranty and maintenance costs are broadly similar in duration, but routine maintenance and parts costs can be higher for Mercedes due to more complex systems and premium components, compared with Lexus’s reputation for lower upkeep.

Dealer network and service quality are robust for both brands, though regional differences in service availability and pricing can influence the ownership experience.

In practice, both brands deliver strong safety credentials; choose based on your service expectations, proximity to authorized centers, and total ownership cost considerations.

Summary

The verdict depends on what you value most in a luxury car. If reliability, predictable ownership costs, and strong resale value are your priorities, Lexus tends to be the safer bet. If you seek cutting-edge technology, a broader performance lineup, and a more distinctly premium luxury feel, Mercedes-Benz offers a compelling package—at the potential cost of higher maintenance and ownership expenses. The best approach is to test-drive representative models from both brands in your preferred segment (for example, Lexus RX or ES versus Mercedes-Benz GLE or E-Class) to determine which aligns with your budget and lifestyle.

What brand is better than Mercedes?

However, drivers who opt for a BMW will find that BMW offers better quality in their midsize sedans and compact SUVs than Mercedes-Benz, as well as more powertrain options. BMW sedans and compact SUVs are praised by critics and customers alike for their easy drivability, luxury interiors, and low starting prices.

Is a Lexus more reliable than Mercedes?

In addition to some of the most innovative technology and visionary design, Lexus' varied lineup of vehicles offer superior reliability and safety scores. Additionally, Lexus offers more Top Safety Picks than Mercedes. Lexus also offers a longer powertrain warranty than Mercedes for all of its models.

Is Mercedes or Lexus more expensive to maintain?

Lexus has lower maintenance costs compared to Mercedes-Benz, with Lexus averaging around $551$ 551$551 per year for maintenance and repairs, while Mercedes-Benz averages around $908$ 908$908 per year. This is due to Lexus's higher reliability, simpler mechanical designs, and complimentary initial services, whereas Mercedes-Benz's luxury and performance-oriented models tend to have higher repair and service costs.
This video explains why Lexus is more reliable and less expensive to maintain than Mercedes-Benz: 58sCar Lensy YouTube · Sep 26, 2025
Lexus

Average annual cost: Around $551$ 551$551.
Reliability: Generally considered more reliable, with lower probabilities of unexpected failures.
Maintenance: Has longer service intervals in some cases, and a history of being closer to Toyota for service costs.
Initial benefits: New Lexus vehicles come with two complimentary scheduled maintenance services.

Mercedes-Benz

Average annual cost: Around $908$ 908$908.
Reliability: Less reliable than Lexus, with a higher probability of major repairs.
Maintenance: Scheduled service intervals (like Service A and B) can cost between $400$ 400$400 and $900$ 900$900 depending on the model, and some repairs, such as brake jobs on certain models, can cost around $1,200$ 1 comma 200$1,200.
Initial benefits: Mercedes-Benz does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance services for new vehicles.

This video compares the maintenance costs of Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, including the cost of scheduled services: 54sCarLandTVYouTube · Jul 20, 2025

Which car is better, Lexus, Mercedes or BMW?

The best choice among Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes depends on your priorities: Lexus offers superior reliability and lower ownership costs, while BMW is known for performance and a sportier driving experience, and Mercedes-Benz is recognized for its cutting-edge technology and luxury features. Lexus often provides more value with lower starting prices and longer powertrain warranties, but German brands like BMW and Mercedes may have higher maintenance costs and are often associated with a more "classic luxury" prestige due to their heritage.
This video compares the reliability of Lexus and Mercedes: 49sExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Jul 2, 2025
Lexus

Reliability and cost: Generally considered the most reliable of the three with lower average annual maintenance and repair costs. Lexus also offers a longer powertrain warranty than Mercedes.
Value: Often provides comparable luxury features for a lower starting price compared to BMW.
Focus: Emphasizes dependability and longevity, with a design philosophy that prioritizes proven, reliable technology over flashy new features.
Resale: Consistently wins awards for resale value.

BMW

Performance: Known for a sportier driving experience and powerful engines.
Technology: Offers advanced technology, though Mercedes often leads in this area.
Cost: Maintenance and repair costs are typically higher than Lexus, but can sometimes be cheaper than Mercedes, depending on the specific model.

Mercedes-Benz

Technology and luxury: A leader in automotive technology and luxury features, often with more customizable options.
Reliability: While it has a strong reputation for durability, it is generally ranked below Lexus in long-term reliability studies.
Cost: Has high maintenance and repair costs, sometimes higher than BMW.
Prestige: Holds a prestigious image, partly due to its long heritage and history of classic luxury vehicles.

This video compares the performance and features of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Lexus NX: 57sautoXYouTube · Aug 3, 2025

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.