Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus IS, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Subcompact Cars · 123 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lexus IS | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 26 mpg | 30 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg | 28 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 32 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,900 | $2,550 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 345 g/mi | 215 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 52 | 123 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
IS vs C-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus IS or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus IS, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class runs about $2,550 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the Lexus IS — a difference of roughly $350 per year.
What engines do the IS and C-Class offer?
Lexus IS: SIDI & PFI, SIDI. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Lexus IS as Compact Cars and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More IS comparisons
Comparison id: lexus-is-vs-mercedes-benz-c-class