Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 60% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| IS | C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 080 400 | R 943 506 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 884/m | R 16 491/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 60% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 651 454 | R 552 468 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 428 946 | R 391 038 |
| Value after 5 years | R 481 760 | R 401 585 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Lexus IS →
The IS has been Lexus SA's compact sedan since the IS 200 arrived in 1999, building a following through the IS 250 and IS 350 F Sport years. Today it is sold only as the IS 300h hybrid at just over R1 million. Buyers pick it for reliability and spec rather than badge cachet, and clean used examples hold decent demand.
Known for: reliable hybrid alternative to german sedans
Mercedes-Benz C-Class →
South Africa's home-grown Mercedes, built in East London and exported around the world. For decades it has been the default premium sedan for local professionals and a big seller by premium standards, with coupe and estate versions offered along the way. Used supply is deep across every generation and diesel C220d derivatives are especially sought after.
Known for: locally built premium sedan staple
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Lexus IS or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
They are close to inseparable: 60% vs 59% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Lexus IS loses about R 428 946 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses about R 391 038. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Lexus IS runs about R 18 884 per month and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class about R 16 491, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.