With the advent of the new generation, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is ready to take on its competitors. We were eager to see how it handled the test track, and we were pleasantly surprised with what we saw.
Don’t fret: we’ve got you covered. The new C-Class and Lexus RC are both great choices, but we think you should take a closer look at the Mercedes. Here’s why:
Regarding exterior design, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 2022 Lexus RC couldn’t be more different. The C-Class is an evolution of its previous generation, while the RC is a brand-new car. While they are sedans (as opposed to SUVs or coupes), they have very different styles and silhouettes.
The Lexus has a low hood line that flows into wide fenders with pronounced wheel arches. This makes the car look like it has wheeled out of proportion with its overall size; however, that’s part of what makes it so striking in person: The huge wheels catch your eye when you see them parked on the street, which means they make this sedan stand out from other vehicles in your rearview mirror. The LED daytime running lights and slim headlights give off an almost futuristic vibe—you could imagine driving this thing through space instead of down Earth’s highways!
The interior of the C-Class is much more luxurious, but it’s not overly flashy about it. The materials are soft and high-quality, and there are enough modern conveniences to make you feel like you’re in a car that costs twice as much. There’s a head-up display in some models, but if you don’t get that option, you can still get one added later if you want it.
The Lexus has a much more basic interior than its competitor’s, with very few modern conveniences beyond what comes standard. That said, the leather seat covers look great and feel soft to the touch (and they’ll stay looking good forever). It has a touchscreen interface similar to that used by other automakers like Volvo or BMW – which means easy navigation through menus once learned – along with climate controls right below it for easy access while driving (the C-Class does not offer this feature).
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a full suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. It also has automatic emergency braking, which is standard on the Premier trim level and optional on other trims. The Lexus RC has a rearview camera as standard equipment and offers blind spot monitoring at an optional cost.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has rated both vehicles safe. The 2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class received four stars in front crash tests (out of five) with four stars for side crash tests (out of five), while the Lexus RC earned five stars in front crash tests (out of five) and four out of five stars for side crashes.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the 2022 Lexus RC has a 3.5L V6 produces 300 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Lexus RC also comes with 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Mercedes comes with a 9G Tronic single-speed transmission (with optional 4MATIC® all-wheel drive).
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a far better car than the 2022 Lexus RC. It has comparable performance and technology but is significantly cheaper, which makes it a much better value overall. While the RC has some nice features, including an excellent infotainment system and a great audio system, it simply doesn’t compare to the versatility or overall quality of the A-Class.
If you are interested in buying the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS, let Mercedes-Benz of Huntington deliver the best deal in town for you. We serve customers throughout the state and its surrounding regions. Drop by our showroom located in Huntington or call us to pre-book for a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class test drive appointment today!