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Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

What's the difference?

VS
Lexus ES
Lexus ES

$54,999 - $77,900

2023 price

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$61,800 - $249,000

2023 price

Summary

2023 Lexus ES
2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 2.5L

Turbo 4, 1.5L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency
4.8L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Dated interior, fiddly controls
  • Firm ride
  • Road and engine noise at speed

  • On the compact side for size
  • Low-ground clearance may grind the teeth
  • Dynamic guidelines are trippy
2023 Lexus ES Summary

What’s the closest thing we have to a modern-day Holden Statesman/Caprice?

If, like General Motors, you obliterate Australia’s Own from existence altogether, you’re left with time-honoured rivals also made in this country, like the Ford Fairlane, Chrysler by Chrysler and Toyota’s Crown and Avalon.

But they’re also all in history’s dustbin (well, the American ones, anyway), leaving the humble Camry as the sole living nameplate with any connection to Australian manufacturing.

And since the Lexus ES is a close relative, we’re going to take a fresh look at the latest version, with a view of it as a bit of a survivor of a bygone era – where aspirational vehicles were created from normal family sedans.

Just like the Fairlane, Crown and of course, the Caprice.

Launched in mid 2018 but facelifted in 2021, we test the ultimate version of the seventh-generation ES, the 300h Sports Luxury – or SL, if we’re to make yet another tenuous connection to long-gone Holdens.

Let’s go!

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2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Summary

When it comes to choosing a family car, sedans are often overlooked for their long-legged wagon or beefy SUV cousins.

They're a bit of a forgotten hero but they'll always hold a piece of my heart for their practicality and (often) sexier kerb-side appeal.

If you can get used to your body cracking like a glow stick when you get in and out of them, the sedan may make a comeback!

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, in entry-level C200 form, has definitely tempted my family to consider a sedan in the future – it looks stately and refined but the driving experience also makes it fun.

Let's see what else it did right and if there was anything that could be improved.

Did I mention, I'm fond of sedans... ?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Lexus ES 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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