VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
165 kW
Torque
engine 221 Nm
300 Nm
Fuel
4.6 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Towing
—
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
7.3 s
Engine
2494 cc
1496 cc
Choosing between the Lexus ES and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus ES delivers 160 kW while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class produces 165 kW. On fuel, the ES returns 4.6 l/100km while the C-Class uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 138 800 for the ES and R1 011 699 for the C-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
160 kW
165 kW
Torque
engine 221 Nm
300 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9 s
7.3 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
246 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
9
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.6 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
104 g/km
152 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4975 mm
4751 mm
Width
1865 mm
1820-2033 mm
Height
1445 mm
1437 mm
Wheelbase
2870 mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
158 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1740 Kg
1650 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
454 l
455 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
615 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
10
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
2
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
C-Class
Fuel Economy
ES
Value
C-Class
Practicality
C-Class
Pros & Cons
Lexus ES
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (160 kW vs 165 kW)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
More powerful engine (165 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 011 699)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.8 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the ES or C-Class?
The ES uses 4.6 l/100km and the C-Class uses 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The ES is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the ES or C-Class?
The ES produces 160 kW and engine 221 Nm of torque while the C-Class delivers 165 kW and 300 Nm of torque. The C-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the ES and C-Class?
The ES starts from R1 138 800 and the C-Class from R1 011 699. The C-Class is cheaper by R127 101 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the ES or C-Class?
The ES has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the C-Class can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the ES or the C-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.