Interior Comparison: Lexus IS vs Mercedes W204 C-Class

Your = You're

compairing = comparing

Japenese = Japanese

a = an

unrealible = unreliable

german = German

brand = car


Your sentence should read:

You're comparing a Japanese economy car to an overpriced, overrated and unreliable German car.



Go home, kid. Or at least learn to type and spell properly. No one will take you seriously here with such abismal typing skills.

And what makes the Lexus IS an economy car? How do we know the new C-Class is unreliable? Is there some suspicious JD Power or CR data available already? I don't think so.

Agent001, we have another troll onboard.



As for the comparison, I've stated before that I personally find the Lexus IS interior to be mega overrated. I've examined the interior in real life and I don't find it to be the "super dooper interior" it is made out to be. Quality interior? Yes, but overrated by the press and Lexus fans alike.

Having not seen the new C-Class interior in real life, I refuse to make a judgement on it until I see the real thing. From the pictures, it does look like a quality interior, but I'll wait until I see the real thing.

Mr. cawimmer430 is right though, the door areas of the Lexus IS look pretty barren and cheap compared to the C-Class. Just an observation.

— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 12:47:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

I see.....so where is this Lexus Troll? I guess he/she is gone.
Sorry for the confusion
It didn't sound like you.

— mstangpny07 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 9:31:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Suggested words/phrases to use when posting on this article:

"prestige"
"magic feeling"
"reliability"
"fancy Toyota"
"Chrysler"
"copied"
"enthusiast"
"sucks"

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 12:49:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

You obviously do not have pride or care what thoughts come out of your mind and how stupid they might sound.

By the way, I type at 101 wpm ;)

— cynic (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 12:56:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Very "intelligent" statement there.

My wife drives an Infiniti FX45 and I drive a new Mercedes S550 - and she sleeps next to me at night, not in hell.


Agent001, I vote for the ban...

— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 12:54:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Wow! Easy on him Bill! I think you made him leave the site!

— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 12:58:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Nicely put.

Read my post. I think we have a similar view on the subject.

— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 1:23:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

these interiors look very comparable. i don't think ANYONE makes that great of an interior at this price point anyhow.

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 1:58:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Totally agree with cawimmer !

— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 6:29:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

IMHO, the Benz wins.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 1:27:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I'm still baffled at Lexus' decision to put the angled door handle right next to the window controls. I had a car like that once (an Isuzu Rodeo, which isn't a great benchmark) and it was godawful trying to get to the window controls. I may have developed carpal tunnel after a year (just kidding, of course).

— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 1:43:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I think the C-class that was being compared a while ago, were the ones that were developed for Europe.
Don't they get all the cheap Mercedes there?
Of course, the ones manufactured for the States are more upscale looking with better material used.

— SSP350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 1:47:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I agree that the Lexus IS interior is overrated. Judging from the pictures, it does look like the Mercedes might even have the better interior, overall. The door region of the Lexus looks quite cheap compared to the Mercedes' for instance.

And the panel gaps, which Toyota fanboys always rave about, look pretty big on the interior with the L badge...

I don't want to start a war here, but expressing your opinion on Autospies is pure suicide because the fanboys will attack you. Watch as I get deboosted just for stating my opinion.

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 2:09:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The one thing I can say positive about the Lexus
interior is they're saving trees by using all that
plastic wood!

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 2:13:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10   

I think it's cyclical. During early afternoon/day the German guys reign supreme, things get a little more balanced as evening draws near.

I just appreciate that Bill has not yet used his "Mr." salutation today which he uses when really trying to "educate" someone.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 2:27:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I see you are a graduate of the EL34 school of comedy. My apologies.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 2:52:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

My opinion:

Seat: The seat on the Lexus looks sportier and overall looks better than the MB.

Door and controls: The MB is better than the Lexus. The way Lexus layout the controls behind the handle is not good ergonomic comparing to the MB.

Steering wheel and controls: Lexus is better overall. It looks better and the buttons are better layout for usability.

Gauges: The BM is better. Its gauges are clean while the Lexus is a little too busy.

Shift Control Area: Lexus is better. The material used and shifting guide is better. Don't like the way MB uses leather wrap under the knob area.

Stereo and Nav Area: Lexus is better. While I like the height of the pop-up Nav on the MB, it just doesn't look clean to me the way the top move back and the screen move up. Also it might be more prone to malfunction. The screen on the Lexus might not be as high as the MB, but it's big enough and it's not low. Overall is cleaner than the MB. Despite the MB has an "idrive", it seems there are more buttons than the Lexus. Also, most of the buttons on the Lexus are bigger than the MB.

Still my opinion:
It is what it is and in this case, Lexus wins.

Just to be fair, why do Lexus flamer get more negative boost than MB flamer?

— Voiture (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 3:28:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Somebody check this link out and tell me that the C-Class has a leading interior design. Is it me or does it look really cheap? Don't get me wrong, I want to like the car, but the interior in these photos just ain't working. Once again, I actually like the interior of the new Lexus IS better. Here's the link:

http://www.autospies.com/news/Spies-hit-the-mother-lode-The-ULTIMATE-2008-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-photo-coverage-11791/

— SSP350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 3:54:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I guess it's irrelevant which has the better design. They both look great. The big question is how long will the switch gear and elec. motors last in both cars? I just bought an IS250 and sold my BMW 3 series (2000 model) due to forum discussions that the transmission fails prematurely in those cars with no warning ($5000 repair, but most can't find the trans.).
So, you can tell, reliability is paramount with me.

— BMW995 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 4:31:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Lookit, the Lexus is for Toy-Boys and the Benz is for qualified successful Realtors like myself.

Benz #1 Bigdog!

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 4:37:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

The C class is multifacetd in its appeal.

In the U.S. it does serve as an entry point into the Mercedes lineup, which is important if you want to have "snob appeal". Not everyone buys a C for this reason, but some do.

In Europe the C makes a damn fine taxi for congested metro areas.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 6:34:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

You should go back. There were plenty of C class taxis that I saw. Try going to Berlin, Prague, etc.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 8:32:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

The gentle yet aggressive curve of the Lexus door pull is one of my favorite design cues in the interior. I dont know what is with all the criticism. It is bold, innovative and beautiful. The C's door pulls are traditional and bland like most Benz interior design elements.

— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 5:48:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Whoever take the picture between this two cars need to be bann. Stupid dweeb, when you took the pic of Lexus, you did a really close up, I can't see jack shit. But on the other hand you did took a better than of the C-class. When comparing the two, at least to be fair, both picture be about the same. Dump son.....b.....

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 5:54:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

As far as interior wise in this segement, the Audi A4 and the Acura TL is the only one that come close to the Lexus IS350.

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 5:55:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

You do realize you are debating matters of personal taste/belief in which there can be no "right" answer don't you?

JackArsch/JackAss you should really loose the attitude that everyone who doesn't put a German car at the top of their own personal list is biased/ignorant, etc.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 6:37:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

unfortunately, i'm not sure buying american cars is the most patriotic thing to do anymore. think of this: you buy an american car, and a rich american ceo gets richer while exporting jobs (from the u.s.), whereas you buy foreign and a foreign ceo gets richer while importing jobs (into the u.s.).

as much as i wish it were wrong to buy imports, it may be the best thing for america. pretty twisted.

a coworker of mine formerly lived in detroit, and was telling me how there were places where your car would be vandalized if it were an import. meanwhile, she was safe cause she drove a ford probe!!!

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 7:18:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

I dont know what everyone is talking about. The merc looks like ass compared to the lex

— dannyboi (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 10:59:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I happen to have a brother who owns an IS250, yeah whatever dude.

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 6:15:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

i was messing with lexus' reference to his brother's is250. it kinda seemed like a child's comment

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 6:27:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

he has a good memory

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 6:32:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

They both have very nice interiors, but in this case, they are too different to be comparable. I know that the C-Class and the IS were designed to compete with each other, but I think that the IS is more sporty while the C-Class is more luxurious. Like I said, both very nice, but appealing to different buyers.

— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 6:17:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Ha ha. I get it. Arsch is German is ass. That's a good one!

— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 5:52:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

This is a two way street, if you planning to call someone a dumpass, expect it to come to you. All I'm saying is that they need to take better pic of the IS. You can't hardly anyting on the IS but on C-class you it show a much better pic.

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 6:36:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

My opinion...

The dash: the Lexus's design is more attractive here IMO, but whether or not Mercedes makes use of better plastics remains to be seen. Both are filled with buttons and neither look as upscale as the A4's dash, however.

Doors: the Mercedes design is traditional and elegant, and I have no quibbles here. I love their seat controls, especially. The Lexus? Comparatively baren. It annoys me that the doors on most Lexus models have no surface tension or even anything other than a door handle and an arm rest. The rest is a leather-swathed void... if the IS even has real leather here.

Gauges: both are quite clear, but I'd have to give the edge to the Merc again for its more contemporary design and intricate needles.

Gearshift: well, they compare a downmarket C-Class's gear tunnel with that of a high-level IS. I believe that if the C had wood trim, the IS would still look better, but the C-Class pulls off the aluminum trim better. The Lexus doesn't even employ real aluminum- it's tacky grey plastic. A $27,000 A3 has beautiful, real aluminum.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 8:18:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

man the interior of that Is is beautiful and the interior of the kia,cough i mean MB c-class is ok.

— trd1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 8:59:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

MercBasher wrote:"The Mercedes interior is a bowl of dog food, compared to the steak offered by Lexus. What were the MB designers thinking - more buttons and more square edges does not equal quality or luxury."

---------

Should tell that to the Lexus people not the Mercedes fans. Lexus LS with more buttons don't mean the technology is useful and to say it is comparable to an ultra luxury saloon? that's just getting too crazy.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 9:46:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

everyone who is against or unsure about mercedes quality should read the article just posted entitled the real truth about merc C-Class interior

— Ywrk4ne1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/26/2007 11:07:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

C-Class a cheap Mercedes?

I guess that makes the IS a cheap Lexus then, eh?

— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 4:44:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

LEXUS IS OVERPRICED!~ No match with the new MERC

— hkaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 1:09:15 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

shrub, you need to put on your glasses.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 2:31:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Oh yes, because a ugly bulbous silver plastic console is so pleasing on the eye...

The Mercedes interior sits nicely, and doesn't have any contrived elements.

The Lexus is plain, except for the cheap-looking centre console, which looks like an after-thought.

— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 2:39:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

that site won't work for me for some reason. i wanted to look at the a4 interior next to these, just as a reference

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 5:07:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I find it very amusing how the Lexus fanboys proclaim the IS interior to be so good, yet do not back up their claim with some facts.

At the same time, they slam the C class interior without having seen it in real life.

Again, I even drove a Lexus IS250 and the interior is completely overrated. A good interior, but not all that it is made out to be. The Audi A4 owns this segment in terms of interior quality. Period.

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 4:48:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8   

People need to calm down here.

Whichever interior or car you prefer is your personal choice. There is no "right" answer!

In reality both cars are quality products that blow away their predecessors.

Threads like this are funny, but I think some of you guys are getting a little too worked up.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 11:01:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

The mercedes steering looks chryslerish ,and those window controls on the lexus look like they came out of camry ,but overall i think the lexus interior looks better than the MB ,considering that the lexus interior is a year or so older

— raschitakochangwenya (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 2:58:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

the lexus is too expensive...more money than anything else in its class in Europe. All because they won't offer any lower trim levels, and insist on putting in useless stuff we don't want, like heated/cooled seats.
NOBODY WANTS COOLED SEATS IN A REP-MOBILE. (in europe)

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 4:02:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I like the C's shifter better, it isn't as messy.

The centre console on the C looks dull and cheaper, like the older GM cars.

I think the IS is equal or better everywhere else.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 6:42:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

lexury

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 7:15:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I like the IS interior better. but the c-class interior is still good. however the same cannot be said of c-class's exterior's which actually seems more dated and busy than the IS's. its a good thing the poster didnt create a exterior comparision. I would imagine neither the c-class or the 3-series would fare well in that comparo.

— starfox (View Profile)

Posted on 2/27/2007 8:24:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

You guys are all smoking something. The IS nor G35 nor C class hold a candle to the 08 CTS interior. In fact other than the CTS, the only other car thats is even in the running is the new 3 series. With the light leather and dark wood its a beautiful combo.

— germeezy2 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/28/2007 2:32:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

I like both cars and I must give the steering wheel to Lexus but I did notice that Lexus is using the same power window buttons as on the Camry and still using an old copy of the MB shifter maybe the next IS will copy the MB and have the same shifter as the current C-Class.

— 1000rrRider (View Profile)

Posted on 2/28/2007 9:53:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

how could the CTS be worse than the Benz? Lets see cut and sew leather dash and doors vs plastic? Its like comparing a C class to the full leather interior CL600.

— germeezy2 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/28/2007 4:16:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I will stay out of this one. I am not impressed with the Merc. The Lexus strikes a chord with me. I still like the lines in the BMW dash. Although interiors don't do much with me.

Josh

— d1sinfo (View Profile)

Posted on 2/28/2007 6:11:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

he lexus has the most comfortable seats i have ever sat in but the merc has the nicer looking interior other than that absolutely filth stearing wheel!

— motoring127professor (View Profile)

Posted on 3/1/2007 6:27:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Anyone here that says the Merc, Lexus, or BMW, has the better look than any other cars is JUST pointing out their CHOICE. Yes choice.

That passion that you have for telling everyone else WHAT they should like or buy is an act of communism.
WHY?
Because, HELLO!!!, if everyone in the USA buys fucking BMW because Bush banned all other car brands in the country when he liked the BMW interior, that is COMMUNISM.

SO!!! BUNCH OF HIGHSCHOOLERS WHO ALWAYS SAY WHAT WE ALL HAVE TO LIKE AND WHAT NOT. GO TELL YOUR PARENTS TO KEEP WIPING YOU ASS WHILE THEY CAN, AND THEN WHEN YOU GET INTO COLLEGE, GET SOME Sociology, and Economy.

Then you will learn EVERYTHING THEY DESING in Lexus, Merc, BMW, is subjective...

(Subjective means, that what you like is not necessarily what everyone else like.)

Example: It is like if every time I come to autospies.com there would always be a user submission about what porn star we all should like.

"Ohh guys look what I found, Consumer Reports just showed a recent article about which porn star is the best reliable in the bed, and also has the best looking genitals, what do you say? HUH?"

WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK!!!

Obviously there will be people who will like most the upper chest of one, or the hard candy bottom of another… (And there will be people like me, that will like both.)

— auronsicero (View Profile)

Posted on 3/1/2007 8:36:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Thanks for proving me right, my analogy was that like in communism everyone has the same, but not everything. Get your facts right before saying anything besides your opinion is lame.

Anyways, I think my analogy with the communism is in fact too much for your reality to understand.

— auronsicero (View Profile)

Posted on 3/2/2007 12:00:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Mercedes needs to go DI with its 3.5 in order to truly compete with Lexus.

— germeezy2 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2007 2:18:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1