Lexus IS vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. Lincoln MKZ
Now more than ever, luxury sedan shoppers are flooded with choices. With an overwhelming amount of new entrants each year, making the right choice can seem difficult. The Lexus IS has remained a perennial favorite among luxury shoppers for nearly two decades, offering seductive styling, potent performance, and a premium interior. Metro Lexus has taken the time to assemble this useful comparison guide which looks at how the Lexus IS stacks up against two of its biggest rivals -- the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Lincoln MKZ.
2019 Lexus IS 300 RWD |
VS. |
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 |
2019 Lincoln MKZ FWD |
| 2.0L I4 - 241 HP | Standard Engine / Horsepower | 2.0L I4 - 208 HP | 2.0L I4 - 245 HP |
| 8 ? | Transmission Speeds | 7 | 6 |
| 17.4 gallons ? | Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gallons | 16.5 gallons |
| LED ? | Headlamp Type | Halogen | High-Intensity Discharge (HID) |
| Yes ? | IIHS Top Safety Pick Award | No | No |
| Standard ? | Real-Time Traffic Information | Optional | Not Available |
| Optional ? | Rear Window Sunshade | Not Available | Not Available |
| Standard ? | Adaptive Cruise Control | Optional | Not Available |
| Standard ? | Power Moonroof | Optional | Not Available |
| 36.9 inches ? | Rear Headroom | 35.4 inches | 36.5 inches |
| 44.8 inches ? | Front Legroom | 40.2 inches | 44.3 inches |
| 12 Months / 10,000 Miles ? | Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | Not Available | First Visit Only |
Performance & Safety
Taking a look at base trims of these three competitors, all three come equipped with identically-sized 2.0L I4 engines. The Mercedes-Benz CLA lags behind the Lexus IS and Lincoln MKZ in terms of standard horsepower. However, only the IS comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission which offers greater response than the less-sophisticated 7-speed found in the CLA and 6-speed included with the MKZ. The Lexus IS also boasts the greatest fuel tank capacity of the group, leading to less-frequent stops at the pump on extended road trips.
Shifting our attention towards safety, it’s clear that the Lexus IS places a greater priority on protecting both drivers and passengers. First, the IS comes standard with LED headlamps that offer better efficiency, longer life, and sharper illumination to the inferior halogen and high-intensity discharge (HID) variants found on the competition.
2018 Lexus IS IIHS Top Safety Pick Award
A testament to the advanced engineering and groundbreaking safety systems found on Lexus vehicles, the IS has been awarded with a 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick. Proving that the Lexus IS offers superior safety, both the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Lincoln MKZ failed to earn a Top Safety Pick award. Finally, Lexus offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two visits. Lincoln only covers the first visit while Mercedes-Benz does not offer complimentary maintenance.
Interior Refinement & Premium Features
Once you take a seat behind the wheel of the Lexus IS, you’ll immediately get a sense of the meticulous craftsmanship and premium materials found throughout. Compared to Mercedes-Benz and Lincoln, the IS offers plenty of luxurious amenities as standard.
For example, the IS includes a standard power moonroof to let you enjoy some natural sunlight on your commute. CLA drivers will have to select a costly option while MKZ owners must step up to a more expensive trim level. Standard Real-Time Traffic Information and Adaptive Cruise Control found on the IS 300 provide added confidence and peace of mind to overcome traffic congestion.
Comfort always is important in a luxury sedan, and the Lexus IS delivers plenty of space for drivers and passengers to relax. Rear-seat occupants will appreciate the 36.9 inches of rear headroom, more than the Mercedes-Benz and the Lincoln. Additionally, the driver and front seat passenger will have more room to stretch their legs. The CLA and MKZ are no match for the superior front legroom offered in the Lexus IS.
Winner - Lexus IS
Now that you’ve seen the results, Metro Lexus would like to welcome you to come experience all of the value, performance, and premium features found on the Lexus IS. Compared to Mercedes-Benz and Lincoln, the superior choice proves to be Lexus.