2017 Lexus RC vs 2017 Mercedes-Benz C Class

2017 Lexus RC

2017 Mercedes-Benz C Class

Select style

RC 300 AWD

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
RC RC 300 AWD	19	26	$39,776	$42,770
RC RC 300 F Sport AWD	19	26	$39,776	$42,770
RC RC 350 AWD	19	26	$42,015	$45,175
RC RC 350 F Sport AWD	19	26	$42,015	$45,175
RC RC 350 F Sport RWD	19	28	$39,999	$43,010
RC RC 350 RWD	19	28	$39,999	$43,010
RC RC Turbo F Sport RWD	22	32	$37,345	$40,155
RC RC Turbo RWD	22	32	$37,345	$40,155
RC F RWD	16	25	$59,673	$64,165

Select style

AMG C 43 4MATIC Convertible

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
C-Class AMG C 43 4MATIC Convertible	19	26	$56,172	$60,400
C-Class AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupe	20	28	$51,615	$55,500
C-Class AMG C 43 4MATIC Sedan	20	28	$48,360	$52,000
C-Class AMG C 63 Convertible	17	22	$67,751	$72,850
C-Class AMG C 63 Coupe	17	23	$62,310	$67,000
C-Class AMG C 63 S Convertible	17	22	$75,191	$80,850
C-Class AMG C 63 S Coupe	17	23	$69,750	$75,000
C-Class AMG C 63 S Sedan	18	24	$67,704	$72,800
C-Class AMG C 63 Sedan	18	25	$60,636	$65,200
C-Class C 300 4MATIC Convertible	22	29	$49,197	$52,900
C-Class C 300 4MATIC Coupe	23	29	$41,525	$44,650
C-Class C 300 4MATIC Sedan	24	31	$38,595	$41,500
C-Class C 300 4MATIC Sedan with Luxury Pkg	24	31	$38,595	$41,500
C-Class C 300 4MATIC Sedan with Sport Pkg	24	31	$38,595	$41,500
C-Class C 300 Convertible	23	31	$47,337	$50,900
C-Class C 300 Coupe	23	30	$39,665	$42,650
C-Class C 300 Sedan	24	34	$36,735	$39,500
C-Class C 300 Sedan with Luxury Pkg	24	34	$36,735	$39,500
C-Class C 300 Sedan with Sport Pkg	24	34	$36,735	$39,500
C-Class C 350e Sedan	N/A	N/A	$42,827	$46,050
C-Class C 350e Sedan with Luxury Pkg	N/A	N/A	$42,827	$46,050

Show Only Differences

Pricing

Invoice Price

$39,776

$56,172

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price

$42,770

$60,400

Monthly Payment Estimate

$713 / month

$1007 / month

The Car Connection's Take

TCC Rating

6.7

Read Our Full Review

7.5

Read Our Full Review

TCC’s Bottom Line

All Lexus RC models offer engaging dynamics and plenty of style, though this sporty coupe could stand to drop a few pounds and its base engines aren't up to snuff.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class adds to the impressive roster with a convertible version this year and a newly minted AMG C43 version. Bavaria is even better now.

TCC Likes

A distinctive-looking Lexus
Plush, sporty interior
Excellent front seats

Drop-dead drop-top new this year
Good looks everywhere
Plenty of powertrain options

TCC Dislikes

Punchy front end throws a curveball on the design
No manual gearbox
Unimpressive mileage (RC 350)

No manual transmission
Can get expensive in a hurry
Cramped rear seat

Fuel Economy

City

19 mpg

Highway

26 mpg

Vehicle

EPA Classification

Subcompact Cars

Interior Dimensions

Second Head Room (in)

34.8

35.6

Passenger Capacity

Second Shoulder Room (in)

50.8

51.7

Front Leg Room (in)

45.4

Front Hip Room (in)

53.9

Second Leg Room (in)

27.3

Front Head Room (in)

38.8

Passenger Volume (ft³)

Second Hip Room (in)

44.9

Front Shoulder Room (in)

54.7

54.8

Exterior Dimensions

Min Ground Clearance (in)

5.3

Length, Overall (in)

184.8

184.9

Height, Overall (in)

55.1

55.4

Track Width, Rear (in)

61.8

61.2

Wheelbase (in)

107.5

111.8

Width, Max w/o mirrors (in)

72.4

71.3

Track Width, Front (in)

62.2

62.1

Cargo Area Dimensions

Trunk Volume (ft³)

10.4

8.8

Brakes

Disc - Rear (Yes or )

Yes

Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

12.2

12.6

Brake Type

4-Wheel Disc

Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)

Disc - Front (Yes or )

Yes

Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

13.2

14.2

Drum - Rear (Yes or )

Brake ABS System

4-Wheel

Fuel Tank

Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal)

17.4

Steering

Steering Type

Rack-Pinion

Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft)

34.8

36.8

Tires

Spare Tire Size

Compact

Front Tire Order Code

R02-D

Spare Tire Order Code

Rear Tire Size

P235/45VR18

P245/40HR18

Rear Tire Order Code

R02-D

Front Tire Size

P235/45VR18

P225/45HR18

Weight Information

Base Curb Weight (lbs)

3891

4145

Wheels

Rear Wheel Material

Aluminum

Rear Wheel Size (in)

18 X 8

18 X 8.5

Front Wheel Material

Aluminum

Spare Wheel Material

Steel

Front Wheel Size (in)

18 X 8

18 X 7.5

Spare Wheel Size (in)

Compact

Electrical

Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

100

180

Engine

Displacement

3.5 L/211

3.0 L/183

SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM

255 @ 6400

362 @ 5500

Engine Type

Premium Unleaded V-6

Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6

Fuel System

Port/Direct Injection

Gasoline Direct Injection

SAE Net Torque @ RPM

236 @ 2000

384 @ 2000

Engine Order Code

Mileage

Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG)

EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG)

EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG)

Transmission

Drivetrain

All Wheel

Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)

0.71

1.21

Trans Description Cont. Again

Reverse Ratio (:1)

3.17

4.93

Second Gear Ratio (:1)

2.04

3.24

Trans Order Code

421

Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)

1.00

1.64

Trans Description Cont.

Automatic w/OD

Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)

0.58

1.00

First Gear Ratio (:1)

3.52

5.35

Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)

3.77

3.07

Third Gear Ratio (:1)

1.40

2.25

Trans Type

Eighth Gear Ratio (:1)

0.72

Seventh Gear Ratio (:1)

0.86

Summary

Body Style

Coupe

4MATIC Cabriolet

Vehicle Name

Lexus RC

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Suspension

Suspension Type - Rear

Multi-Link

Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

Multi-Link

Suspension Type - Front

Double Wishbone

Strut

Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)

Double Wishbone

Strut

Emissions

Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year

8.4

8.0

Crash Test Ratings

Overall Rating

Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger

Overall Side Crash Rating

Side Barrier Rating

Side Barrier Rating Driver

Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat

Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Rear Seat

Rollover Rating

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