Lexus ES vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Which Should You Buy in KSA?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Lexus ES⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz C-Class⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across KSA.

⁦Lexus ES⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz C-Class⁩: the verdict

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class generally edges out the Lexus ES for drivers prioritizing ultimate performance, advanced technology, and brand prestige, especially with its high-horsepower variants. However, the Lexus ES remains a compelling choice for those seeking superior comfort, proven reliability, and a more accessible luxury experience at a significantly lower starting price.
Other Years
20262025202420232022
#1#2
Price Comparison
Starting at193,315 – 263,442 SAR266,977 – 557,420 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine2,487 – 3,456 cc · 4 – 6 cyl1,595 – 3,982 cc · 4 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)204 – 302 hp156 – 510 hp
Torque (Nm)221 – 362 Nm250 – 700 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)6.8 – 9.8 s4 – 8.3 s
Top Speed (Km/h)207 – 230 km/h207 – 290 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)6.4 – 8.7 L/100km5.6 – 101 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity50 – 60 L41 – 66 L
Gears89
TransmissionAutomatic / CVTAutomatic
Drive TypeFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.0 / 5.0 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.4 m4.7 / 4.8 m × 1.8 / 1.8 / 2.0 m × 1.4 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.9 m2.8 / 2.9 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,600 – 1,650 kg1,425 – 1,730 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)454 L481 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Damper ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear SpoilerRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSilver TrimSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored Bumper - Front and RearBody Colored GrilleBody Colored MirrorsBonnet LightBrake CalipersBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering LightsCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Handles - Body ColoredDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTouchscreenTraction ControlTrip ComputerTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWireless HeadphonesWood TrimXenon Headlamps

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, particularly its higher-trim models, offers exhilarating performance with up to 510 hp and faster acceleration, making it ideal for those who crave a dynamic driving experience.

2

Best for Value and Comfort

The Lexus ES provides exceptional comfort and a smooth ride at a considerably lower entry price point, making it the better choice for luxury sedan buyers focused on value and a relaxed commute.

3

Best for Advanced Driving Dynamics

With available All-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive configurations, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class delivers a more engaging and versatile driving experience compared to the Lexus ES's standard Front-Wheel Drive.

4

Best for Interior Space

The Lexus ES, with its longer overall length and wheelbase, offers a more spacious cabin, especially for rear passengers, making it a comfortable option for families or those who frequently carry passengers.

Pros & cons

Lexus ES

Pros

  • Significantly lower starting price
  • Larger engine options (up to 3.5L V6) for a broader range of power
  • Greater emphasis on ride comfort and cabin quietness
  • Longer wheelbase for enhanced rear passenger legroom
  • Proven reliability and lower long-term ownership costs

Cons

  • Lacks the extreme performance variants of the C-Class
  • Only available with Front-Wheel Drive, less dynamic
  • Smaller trunk space compared to the C-Class
  • Standard transmission options are less sophisticated (8-speed/CVT)

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Pros

  • Superior high-performance variants (up to 510 hp, 700 Nm)
  • Faster acceleration (as low as 4 seconds) and higher top speed
  • More dynamic driving with AWD/RWD options
  • Slightly larger trunk capacity (481 L)
  • More advanced 9-speed automatic transmission

Cons

  • Significantly higher starting and top-end price
  • Base models offer less power than the ES's entry-level
  • Potentially higher maintenance and ownership costs
  • Slightly less rear passenger legroom due to shorter length

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lexus ES or Mercedes-Benz C-Class more powerful?

For sheer maximum power, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes the lead with high-performance variants offering up to 510 hp, significantly more than the Lexus ES's maximum of 302 hp. If you prioritize raw acceleration and top speed, the C-Class is the clear winner. However, the Lexus ES provides respectable power across its range for comfortable daily driving.

Which car offers better value for money, the Lexus ES or Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The Lexus ES generally offers better value for money, with a starting price of 193,315 SAR, which is considerably lower than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's entry point of 266,977 SAR. For luxury features and comfort at a more accessible price, the ES is a strong contender. The C-Class's higher price often reflects its performance capabilities and brand prestige.

Which sedan has more trunk space, the Lexus ES or Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers slightly more trunk space at 481 liters compared to the Lexus ES's 454 liters. While the difference is not vast, the C-Class provides a small advantage for carrying luggage or groceries. For maximum utility, the C-Class has a slight edge in cargo capacity.

Is the Lexus ES or Mercedes-Benz C-Class better for long drives in KSA?

The Lexus ES is often considered better for long drives due to its emphasis on a supremely comfortable and quiet cabin, combined with a smooth ride quality. Its longer wheelbase also contributes to better rear passenger comfort. While the C-Class is also comfortable, the ES's refined cruising capabilities make it ideal for extended journeys across KSA.

What are the key differences in driving dynamics between the Lexus ES and Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers more dynamic driving options with available All-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive, providing a sportier and more engaging feel, especially in higher performance trims. The Lexus ES, on the other hand, is exclusively Front-Wheel Drive, prioritizing a smooth, stable, and comfortable ride over aggressive handling. Choose the C-Class for sportiness, the ES for relaxed cruising.