Lexus Vs. BMW Vs. Mercedes: How to Make the Choice

Are Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW Cars on the Same Level?

German and Japanese cars have a huge number of fans in the US. Both countries produce vehicles to their high-quality standards, with carefully crafted performance and a range of efficient specials to bring out the best in each model.

BMW, Mercedes , and Lexus leading the auto industry for decades. They are different, despite competing for the same market, but if you want to find your winner among these three brands, our comprehensive comparison will be a good starting point.

Main Features of Japanese Cars

Japan is one of the leaders in the automotive industry, the country is at the TOP-3 of the world’s leading manufacturers in terms of the number of cars sold. The Japanese in the automotive market are distinguished by their characteristic appearance. These are predominantly compact, squat, and elongated models with forms sharpened for speed.

The generally recognized advantages of Japanese cars are as follows:

• Advanced technologies. These are the most progressive cars in terms of new features.
• Impeccable quality achieved through total production control.
• Decent efficiency. Most Japanese cars consume relatively little fuel.

Moreover, in technological terms, Japanese cars almost always dominate German ones. It is known, for example, that the engines in cars from Japan are very quiet compared to a typical German.

In addition, if comparing Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes,  many Indianapolis drivers confirm that Japanese cars are better suited for driving on bad roads because they are well suited to difficult conditions. On the other hand, these vehicles require frequent maintenance to maximize their life.

German Means Quality

The Germans are valued as very prestigious vehicles. Car enthusiasts know how meticulous German workers are in manufacturing. Therefore, the reliability of cars from Germany is legendary.

Another well-known advantage of German models is their comfort for the driver and passengers, including the rear ones. All controls are at hand, and ergonomics is thought out to the smallest detail. This applies to the highest degree to BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars.

As for the technical features, the Germans, oddly enough, are inferior to the Japanese. German engines with ceramic-coated cylinders and a delicate suspension are less suitable for driving on bad roads and endure the harsh climate worse. Speaking of service needs for BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus, cars from Germany are cheaper to maintain, but their service life is somewhat shorter when compared with Japanese models.

Another nuance to take into account: it is much easier to sell a used Japanese (subject to proper maintenance) than a German car. In the second case, you will have to drop the price significantly.

BMW 3 vs. Lexus IS vs. Mercedes-Benz C: Which Is the Number 1?

Now let’s consider the competitors to find the winner in the BMW vs. Mercedes vs. Lexus battle. No matter how changeable car fashion is, mid-size family vehicles are in no hurry to leave the scene and continue to improve. The BMW 3-series, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-class are good examples.

Interior and Trunk

Mercedes is the leader in interior style, quality, and comfort. The atmosphere of quality reigns inside BMW. Lexus lags behind the Germans. The 3-series and C-class lead in interior space and surpass the rival in comfort in the second row. At the same time, the C-class has the most comfortable front seats, and the 3-Series – wins with the rear ones. The Lexus has comfortable seats too – you won’t get tired even on a long trip, but the cabin is cramped compared to BMW and Mercedes, and the lack of space is especially acute above the heads of the rear passengers.

BMW has the most spacious trunk, followed by the compartment of the Mercedes and the most modest parameters of the Lexus trunk.

Vehicle Equipment

Is Lexus More Reliable than Mercedes?

Lexus vehicles are ranked highest for reliability and the clear favorite in the BMW vs. Mercedes vs. Lexus comparison.

In the arsenal of all competing cars – BMW 3, Mercedes-Benz C, and Lexus IS, there are:

• A good set of airbags: at least six in the BMW, the Lexus has ten airbags, the Mercedes has seven.
• An automatic braking system with pedestrian detection.
• A sensor for monitoring driver fatigue.
• Adaptive cruise control by default.

Except for Mercedes, cars are equipped with lane departure warnings and traffic sign recognition.

Car Driving Performance

The BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-class pick up speed and respond to commands quickly, demonstrating excellent dynamic characteristics. At the same time, the Mercedes has softer reactions, which are more convenient in city driving conditions.

The Lexus IS is the most pleasant to drive in the city due to the smooth operation of the hybrid engine and the ability to start on electric traction. On the highway, intense acceleration is the weak point of the Japanese – which lacks traction.

In terms of handling, BMW and Mercedes leave the best impression. The Bavarian sedan is the most sporty car compared to Lexus and Mercedes. The 3-series can boast a very efficient chassis. Its competitor with the three-pointed star label demonstrates refined manners and a more smooth driving.

The Lexus cars are heavier than its rivals, which, coupled with slower reactions, makes it the least agile on the serpentine. Yes, and softer suspension settings do not provoke active driving. This car is for those who value more comfort.

There are no complaints about the brakes of the BMW, Mercedes, or Lexus:

• A BMW decelerates the fastest under emergency braking. In general, the 3-Series manufactured since 2019 restores the sports sedan DNA lost by the previous generation.
• Mercedes is true to itself, offering the best balance between handling and comfort.
• Lexus is a car that is a pleasure but only on a flat road.

Mercedes and BMW Vs. Lexus: Which Brand Is Best to Buy Used

Buying a car between 2 and 6 years old is the best investment since it has already lost 30-40% of its value compared to a new one, and the cost of maintaining it is not too high. In this range, Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes are approximately equal.

At the same time, the Germans are more expensive – the prestige of BMW and Mercedes, the quality of finishes, and the richness of trim levels are extremely high. But, if you consider buying a 7-10-year-old model, you must understand that maintaining it in working condition will require costs that will increase over the years. For this reason, from the age of seven, Lexus looks more preferable – the durability of Japanese cars is higher, and the cost of the vehicle itself is comparable to the German one.

Anyway, you will never make a well-informed decision without a test drive. Schedule your visit to Indy Auto Man and compare your experience behind the wheel of BMW, Mercedes, and Audi!