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Auto Express Comparison: Lexus IS 300h vs. Mercedes C300 BlueTEC Hybrid

Posted by Kevin on November 30th, 2014

Auto Express prefers the Lexus IS 300h over the new Mercedes C300 BlueTEC Hybrid:

In the battle of the hybrid saloons, the IS 300h takes a narrow win. Its hybrid powertrain feels better resolved than the Mercedes’, as it relies on the electric motor more frequently to save fuel, is more refined and switches between drive modes more smoothly.

The Lexus isn’t as fast as its rival, but it’s more relaxing to drive, and while it trails on interior quality, if you go for a Premier model, you won’t be left wanting for kit.

Read the full IS 300h vs C300 Hybrid review

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Comments
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    ydooby
  • November 30, 2014
Good win. It should be pointed out that the IS300h beats the C300 diesel hybrid in real-world fuel economy despite trailing behind the C300 by a large margin in European fuel economy test cycles.
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    rjw972
  • November 30, 2014
"…you won't be left wanting for kit." What does that mean?
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      ray
    • December 1, 2014
    Means the Lexus IS300h tested is loaded to the gills with standard equipment which cost over £10k more in the Merc
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      SennaVsHamilton
    • December 1, 2014
    It means that thankfully, there will be no special appearances by the 'Hoff and his '80s vintage American-built atrocity.
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    Ayo DocMkize
  • November 30, 2014
But here the Lexus just edges the Merc out its not a flat out win in every category. e.g. speed which the Lex lacks.
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      ray
    • December 1, 2014
    a win is a win - speed has no relevance here, especially seen as though these cars are stuck in traffic 90% of the time
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      Ayo DocMkize
    • December 2, 2014
    good point these cars are for city driving in traffic
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    Obi Juan Kenobi
  • December 1, 2014
By just looking at the photos I can now forget about the IS300h and take the Merc. Both exterior and interior are a lot nicer with the Merc than the Lexus. Being a previous generation IS owner, I'm really shocked to see their design is more or less a mess.
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      ray
    • December 1, 2014
    I should point out that the Merc is in AMG line specification and looks like crap in normal guise. The IS300h F-Sport will wipe the floor with the Merc in terms of looks
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      sebisab93
    • December 1, 2014
    Looks like crap? In my eyes the new C looks extremely good with the Exclusive-grille. The new IS without the F-Sport package. That looks so mixed-up. No clear lines and no elegance. I prefer the 2nd generation IS without a doubt. The 2nd looks so much better. The new one looks embarassing and I wouldn't dare to drive it. I would be afraid of the people who laugh about my car.
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      krew
    • December 1, 2014
    You're afraid of people laughing at your car? Seems like a strange thing to worry about. To each their own, but I think the new IS is miles ahead of the previous generation.
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      sebisab93
    • December 1, 2014
    Yes. In quality and the engines it's miles ahead. It's a really good car but I dislike the design.
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      ray
    • December 1, 2014
    Well im sure theres plenty of people who would laugh at the merc too calling it a "banana on wheels"
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      sebisab93
    • December 2, 2014
    Never heard that...
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      SennaVsHamilton
    • December 1, 2014
    I disagree, the polar reaction from the new IS is either a hit or miss - one that, if you have ever driven one and paid attention, will garner much more positive attention than the new C, AMG guise or not. When driving the C around, I mostly received comments to the tune of "I miss the sharp edges and handsome styling." Sadly, it has really turned into more of the awkward rounded-edge styling reminiscent of the Daimler-Chrysler era.
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      OlFius
    • December 1, 2014
    Calling it crap is a little bit exaggerated. Compare the CLA with the C, and the C looks a bit...dull. Maybe a better definition ? But why compare a diesel with gasoline? And then a diesel hybrid, my god, just make me laugh (I'm driving a CLA diesel (not a hybrid) and an IS F Sport, so I can compare it a bit). And why didn't they compare these C with an IS F Sport ?
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    Rob Grieveson
  • December 1, 2014
Styling is a subjective thing and rather pointless to argue about - more concerning is the comment that the interior quality of the Lexus lags that of the Merc, is it the quality or again the look? The Merc does look very smart internally but i would have thought that the Lexus would have been right up there in terms of quality - surprising. Being a Lexus owner i know which i would choose but i am sure they are both very good cars and the choice will be a personal one rather than one car being much better than the other. Lexus and Mercedes have both earned and deserve their excellent credentials.
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      ray
    • December 1, 2014
    Although the quality of the Lexus is very good, the Merc has a better quality interior, that's what the reviewer is trying to say. Autoexpress are *cough* sponsored *cough* by the German manufacturers so word it in a way that Lexus seems hugely inferior. In fact, the quality of the Lexus interior is on par with BMW 3 series and the Audi A4 - its just that the Merc is slightly better, albeit costing a huge amount more - Lets not forget that the IS300h Premier tested is £39,105 whereas the Merc is tested at £46,015 - thats nearly £7k difference!

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