Which is cheaper to maintain, Lexus or Mercedes?
Across the luxury auto segment, Lexus generally offers cheaper maintenance costs than Mercedes-Benz, due to higher reliability, simpler service needs, and lower parts and labor costs. That said, costs vary widely by model, engine, year, and how you drive and maintain the car.
In this article, we break down what drives maintenance costs, compare typical ownership costs, and offer practical tips to minimize expenses when choosing between a Lexus and a Mercedes model.
What drives maintenance costs in luxury brands
Several factors determine how expensive it is to keep a luxury car on the road. The following list highlights the main cost drivers you should consider when comparing Lexus vs Mercedes:
- Reliability and frequency of repairs: brands with fewer unexpected breakdowns generally incur lower costs over time.
- Parts and labor costs: premium parts and dealership labor rates can push maintenance bills higher, especially for imported luxury brands.
- Maintenance plan availability and coverage: prepaid maintenance plans can reduce out-of-pocket costs for routine service.
- Model complexity and technology: advanced drivetrain systems, electrified powertrains, and driver-assistance tech can increase service costs.
- Age and mileage: older vehicles typically require more frequent repairs and replacements, which affects total ownership costs.
In sum, the practical takeaway is to prioritize models with proven reliability, simpler powertrains, and favorable maintenance plans to minimize ongoing costs.
Model- and powertrain-specific trends
The exact maintenance bill depends heavily on whether you choose a traditional gasoline model, a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid, and on the size and sophistication of the vehicle. The following categories illustrate the variance:
- Gasoline engines vs hybrids: Lexus hybrids leverage Toyota‑developed hybrid tech with a strong reliability track record, while Mercedes hybrids can involve higher parts costs and more complex battery systems.
- Compact vs full-size models: smaller Lexus models (like the UX or NX) often cost less to service than larger Mercedes models (like the GLC or E‑Class) due to simpler powertrains and lower routine maintenance demands.
- Electrified variants: plug-in hybrids and full EVs can shift maintenance costs from regular oil changes to battery-related considerations, with costs dependent on battery warranty and replacement needs.
- Service interval and dealership pricing: independent shops may offer savings on both brands, but Mercedes parts and labor rates at dealers tend to be higher on average than Lexus in many markets.
When evaluating models, look at maintenance history, the likelihood of scheduled maintenance being covered (warranty or prepaid plans), and the spare-parts landscape for the specific engine and drivetrain.
Brand-level take: reliability, ownership costs, and service experience
Reliability rankings and ownership-cost analyses consistently show Lexus performing very well in the luxury segment, while Mercedes-Benz offers strong performance and prestige but with higher average maintenance costs. Independent surveys and cost-of-ownership studies often place Lexus ahead on predictability and routine service expenses, while Mercedes tends to be more variable depending on model, year, and how aggressively the vehicle is equipped with premium technology.
Warranty coverage and service options can influence the apparent cost of ownership. Both brands offer maintenance plans that can reduce out-of-pocket servicing but the availability and pricing of these plans vary by country and dealership. Additionally, labor rates and the availability of independent shops can affect real-world costs outside the dealer network.
Bottom line for budgeting maintenance
For buyers prioritizing lower ongoing maintenance costs, Lexus is typically the cheaper choice in the luxury category. Mercedes-Benz often delivers stronger performance and a more premium brand experience, but that comes with higher maintenance bills overall. The best approach is to compare specific models and trims, review maintenance histories, and consider prepaid maintenance options to lock in predictable costs.
Summary
- Lexus generally offers lower maintenance and ownership costs than Mercedes-Benz across many models.
- Costs vary widely by model, powertrain, age, and how the car is used, so model-specific research is essential.
- Consider maintenance plans, warranty coverage, and the dealer vs. independent-repair landscape when budgeting.
Ultimately, if minimizing upkeep expenses is your priority, choose a Lexus with a proven reliability record and favorable maintenance economics, while weighing the trade-offs against the driving experience and prestige you want from a Mercedes.
