DecodedCarsLexus LC vs Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
2026 Lexus LC vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class — two minicompact cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is more fuel-efficient: 22 vs 18 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $800 a year less in fuel for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (1 vs 6).
The two cars
The 2026 Lexus LC is a minicompact car offered with a 5.0L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive. It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,539 lb (500 2dr Convertible).
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a minicompact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 8% better than the 2026 minicompact car average of 20.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
Buying used? The 2023 LC and the 2024 SL-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 LC.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Lexus LC if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class on any measure we track.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class if…
- You want lower fuel bills (22 vs 18 MPG)
- You need AWD or 4WD
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You put reliability history first (1 vs 6 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Lexus LC
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Lexus LC specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →