Compare the2024 Lexus LCVS 2024 Mercedes CLE

The LC’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the CLE.

Both the LC and the CLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LC 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the CLE. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the CLE ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The LC’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the CLE’s (6 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 29th.

The LC 500h’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 99 more horsepower (354 vs. 255) and 55 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 295) than the CLE 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The LC 500’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 96 more horsepower (471 vs. 375) and 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (398 vs. 369) than the CLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the LC Hybrid’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The CLE doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LC 500, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a nine-speed automatic is available for the CLE.

The LC 500h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CLE doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LC has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the CLE. The LC’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the CLE.

The LC has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The CLE’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The LC is 3.6 inches shorter than the CLE, making the LC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The LC Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CLE doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 48% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.