1. Key points of Lexus IS 250 vs Mercedes Benz C300
* Mercedes outperforms Lexus in terms of engine and power while IS 250 offers a smoother driving style. Read details to know why!
1.1. Key points of 2008 Lexus IS 250 engine performance
Lexus IS 250 model year 2008 is a redesigned version with slight modifications to enhance both styling and performance of the car. The model is aimed to compete directly with BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes Benz C300.
However, you will see people often confuse most between a Lexus and a Mercedes-Benz because these two brands are more familiar with us Nigerians.
- 2008 Lexus IS 250 Engine & Power
Lexus IS 250 2008 is powered by a 2.5L V6 engine mated to dual VVT technology (the typical variable valve timing of Toyota), direct fuel injection and 6-speed transmission (either automatic or manual). The automatic version is also equipped with paddle shifters to enhance driving experience.
This Lexus model can produce 204 hp at max and perform a 0-60 jump in exactly 7.5 seconds
- 2008 Lexus IS 250 Driving style & Reliability
Lexus IS 250 2008 is reviewed as a “quick, responsive, and balanced” model which gets you lots of fun to drive. The sports sedan is also said to suit year-round driving demand with sufficient support.
The most noticeable feature of driving an IS 250 is its quiet cabin. The carmaker has added noise-suppression materials onto its rigid body, also installing special seals for windows and doors, acoustic windshield glass as well as the sound-absorbing sun visors.
The IS 250 2008 is reviewed as "fun to drive"
1.2. Key points of 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 performance
The 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 is also an upgraded version to meet new demands of users, at the same time raising its status in comparison with other competitors in the same segment. It’s commented as a sportier and more efficient model but may not come on top of the list.
- 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 Engine & Power
Mercedes Benz C300 2008 is also built on rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layout. The car is equipped with 3.0L DOHC V6 engine paired with a 7-speed automatic which can produce up to 228 hp at 6000 rpm.
- 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 Driving style & Reliability
Test drivers of Mercedes-Benz C300 2008 said the car felt absolutely stable, secure and balanced even when revving or braking. The shock absorbers have done a really good job to ensure either control or comfort in driving.
However, the steering doesn’t feel smooth but rather heavy. The carmaker shows attempts in minimizing the noise but still passengers can hear the tire noise depending on the roughness of the roads.
This second-hand 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 looks almost immpecable
1.3. Naijauto notes on Lexus IS 250 2008 & Mercedes Benz C300 2008 performance:
Clearly, the two cars share similar automobile layouts but Mercedes-Benz C300 offers a larger and more powerful engine. The top speed of Lexus vs Mercedes is 204 hp and 228 hp respectively.
Regarding the driving style & reliability, Lexus IS 250 wins with smoother driving feel. Mercedes Benz’s model, albeit secure and balanced too, isn’t highly evaluated when it comes to reliability.
2. Efficiency of 2008 Lexus IS 250 vs 2008 Mercedes Benz C300
* 2008 Lexus IS 250 has better efficiency in general. See the statistics in table as follow!
This is the part all of us are longing for. In such a place as Nigeria, the fuel economy rate of one's car can be the determining factor to help you decide whether you would buy the model or not. The table indicates the effeciency of Lexus and Mercedes products for both manual and automatic transmissions.
| EPA | 2008 Lexus IS 250 fuel economy | 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 fuel economy |
| City |
Manual: 18 mpg Automatic: 20-21 mpg |
Manual: 18 mpg Automatic: 18 mpg |
| Highway |
Manual: 26 mpg Automatic: 26-29 mpg |
Manual: 26 mpg Automatic: 25 mpg |
Naijauto notes on Lexus IS 250 2008 & Mercedes Benz C300 2008 fuel efficiency:
As you can see clearly in the table, the manual transmission versions of Lexus IS 250 2008 and Mercedes-Benz C300 2008 share similar fuel economy rate of 18/26 mpg city/highway.
However, IS 250 automatic transmission shows much higher efficiency than its competitor.
>>> Lexus ES350 2007 is also a worth-considering model: Lexus ES350 2007 review: Price, Problems, Engine, Images, Interior & More
Not just 2008 model, the two lineup is still in tight race today
3. Price comparison of 2008 Lexus IS 250 vs 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300
* 2008 Lexus IS 250 is cheaper than a 2008 Mercedes Benz C300. Details of price list can be seen as below!
Both two cars belong to the same segment of luxury sedans, prices of 2008 Lexus IS 250 and 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 are not much different. However, we can still see clearly that the product of Mercedes Benz is a bit higher than its Japanese counterpart. Specifically, the Tokunbo price of 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 is about ₦1 million higher than that of 2008 Lexus IS 250. Meanwhile, the locally used price is only ₦500,000 apart. The maximum price of both Nigerian used models are even the same.
As these two cars are no longer new releases, we can't show you the brand new price list. Rather, please take a look at their Tokunbo and Nigerian used prices.
| 2008 Lexus IS 250 price in Nigeria | 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 price in Nigeria | |
| Tokunbo price | ₦2,500,000 - ₦4,800,000 | ₦3,700,000 - ₦5,700,000 |
| Locally used price | ₦2,200,000 - ₦3,500,000 | ₦2,700,000 – ₦3,600,000 |
>>> If these two models aren't affordable to you, you can go for this: [Expert Car Comparison] Camry vs Corolla, which used car should you buy?
4. Practicality of Lexus IS 250 vs Mercedes-Benz C300 model year 2008
* 2008 Lexus IS 250 is more practical to Nigerian use than a 2008 Mercedes Benz C300. To know the reasons why, please take a look at our detailed explanation!
4.1. Maintenance cost & common services
The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus IS 250 is around $500, equivalent to N180,000.
Also, according to reports, an IS 250 needs most maintenance when it reaches the fifth and tenth year of usage.
Top common maintenance services for a Lexus IS 250 include:
- Replace brake components: brake rotors, brake calipers, brake shoe (rear)
- Replace clutch slave cylinder
- Replace car door lock actuator
- Replace EGR valve (Exhaust gas recirculation valve)
- Replace car door handle
- Replace wheel bearings
- Replace fuel pressure regulator
- Replace headlight bulb
>>> You can view used Lexus IS 250 2007 & 2008 here on Naijauto.com!
Both used cars remain their luxury look as brand new
Meanwhile, the yearly cost to maintain a Mercedes-Benz C300 is $635, translating to nearly N230,000. Similar to Lexus, 5-year-old and 10-year-old Benz C300 need to pay more visits to the auto repair shop.
Below are regular maintenance services completed on a Benz C300:
- Replace car AC compressor
- Replace car air filter
- Repair alternator
- Replace car battery
- Replace brake caliper
- Replace cabin air filter
- Replace car door lock actuator
- Replace car door handle
- Replace strut assembly
- Replace wheel bearings
>>> And here are used Mercedes-Benz C300 2007-2008 car listings on our site!
4.2. Availability of spare parts in case of replacement
Well, you can easily find answers by yourself by looking at the number of Lexus or Toyota shops vs Mercedes-Benz stores in the country.
Lexus spare parts are definitely easier to get than a Mercedes-Benz item. As we search through online markets, the number of Lexus car spare parts doubles that of the German brand.
4.3. Naijauto notes on practicality of Lexus IS 250 & Mercedes-Benz C300
With regards to practicality in Nigerian context, it’s recommended you go for a Lexus IS 250 because it requires less maintenance service (& fees), let alone the larger availability of Lexus spare parts throughout the country.
Look further, you will see both models require the replacement of brake components, exterior car door handle and headlight bulbs while a Benz C300 seems to have problem with its air-con rather soon.
5. Luxury & safety content of 2008 Lexus IS 250 vs Mercedes Benz C300
* Mercedes-Benz C300 boasts of higher luxury style and safety features than a Lexus. Why do we say so? Read below our side-by-side comparison!
Before jumping to the detailed list of luxury and safety content, let’s say both models receive glowing reviews on their “impeccably finished” cabin with latest electronics installed.
If there exists any difference in deco quality, it is just the unique style from each carmaker. While the Oriental brand focuses on practical features, the European one loves to show more fascinating points in their aesthetic values.
| Features | 2008 Lexus IS 250 | 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 |
| Luxury content |
Dual-zone automatic climate control Smart key system Front courtesy lights Audio controls on steering wheel Keyless entry Tilt/telescope steering wheel Heated front seats Outside temperature display Standard leather seats Optional maple trim level Leather-wrapped steering wheel Seat position memory |
Automatic dual zone climate control Sunroof Optional panoramic roof Optional heated front seats Optional leather seats Navigation system with voice recognition Keyless entry & starting system Adjustable steering wheel Front/ rear reading lamps Leather wrapped steering wheel Heated exterior mirrors Wireless cellphone hookup |
| Safety content |
Advanced dual-stage front airbags Front-seat-mounted side airbags Knee airbags Side-curtain airbags Vehicle stability control Optional pre-collision system Traction control Stability control First-aid kit ABS & EBD Back-up camera 4-wheel disc brakes LATCH child seat anchors 4/5 stars in NHTSA front impact crash test |
Stability control 4-wheel disc brakes ABS & EBD Driver airbag Passenger airbag Front/Rear head airbag Front side airbag Passenger airbag on/off switch Child safety locks Daytime running lights Auto-on/off headlights Emergency trunk release "Good" rating in IIHS front crash test |
Above are the most remarkable features regarding the luxury and safety of the two models. The full list of specifications for 2008 Lexus IS 250 and 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 can be found by clicking on the link.
Check the walkaround video of a Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic 2008!
Naijauto notes on luxury & safety content of Lexus IS 250 & Mercedes Benz C300:
The list of luxury and safety features of these two hi-class models doesn’t end there. We can only select the most typical points that customers have given feedback on.
For the luxury criterion, neither of these models stand out because both have tried their best to offer users utmost comfort though the back seats in two cars are complained to be a bit cramped.
In safety tests, the Japanese brand doesn’t do as well as its counterpart: while Lexus only score 4 out of 5 stars in front impact crash test, the Benz C300 is rated “Good” in the same type of exam.
>>> We have a separate post on this Benz, check here: Mercedes C230 price in Nigeria, C-Class and Benz price list updated
6. Conclusion
We won’t play for time. In the comparison of Lexus vs Mercedes Benz luxury sedan, the winner in our opinion is the Japanese model – 2008 Lexus IS 250. Mercedes Benz C300 model year 2008 is a great car of luxury sedan segment but it may not suit best with Nigerian situations where we prioritize driving experience, reliability, fuel economy & most importantly, the practicality.
Do come back and check for our next Expert car comparison articles!
