C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Mercedes C350 vs. New Lexus IS350

Old Oct 20, 2005 | 09:47 PM
  #1  
SoCalCLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
Mercedes C350 vs. New Lexus IS350

I just got the wind on the new IS350, and here are the numbers:

3.5L V6 --- 306hp / 277tq. 0-60sec in 5.3! Car and Driver tests resulted in 5.1sec and a Quarter-mile of 13.7sec! That's a pretty damn fast car for a N/A $36,000 car....

Remember that the 2000 996 Carrera does 0-60sec. in 5.2 sec. So the new IS350's figures put it in Carrera range?!

I am no Lexus fan here, but this new IS350 sounds pretty good. I might have to test drive one and see for myself.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2005 | 09:59 PM
  #2  
AMGfan's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 5
From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
IS350...sharp piece of kit. C350 is just a little too boring in style for me...still a nice car.

At $36750 MSRP fully loaded vs. the C350 sport starting @ $38K base model, I would have to really lean towards the Lexus.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2005 | 10:11 PM
  #3  
SoCalCLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
That's what I'm saying. I love the C350's new engine and the sport styling, but if the Lexus is a 13-second car bone stock for LESS money, it's hard to say no...
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2005 | 10:44 PM
  #4  
vraa's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Until you realize how weird it feels to drive one.
But it's not like the C320 feels a lot better in my opinon.

The E46 still holds the cake, and still brings smiles everytime I drive one.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2005 | 12:39 PM
  #5  
SoCalCLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
The E46 is nice, but really beaten to death here in Orange County, not to mention it is SLOW.

The new IS350 if it can consistently do 13-second 1/4 mile times, will light up any normal E46 on the road.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2005 | 01:50 PM
  #6  
pookie's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 917
Likes: 0
From: michigan/ohio/indiana
2013 c300 4matic, 2002 c240
is350 only comes in auto. c350, you get to choose auto vs. manual.


also, lexus dealers are nicer.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2005 | 01:55 PM
  #7  
C43AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by SoCalCLK
The new IS350 if it can consistently do 13-second 1/4 mile times, will light up any normal E46 on the road.
Like I said before ( in the other threads ) I'll believe it when I see it.And when you finish the 1/4 mile and try and go through the twisties and the suspension feels like it wants to separate from the undercarriage you'll be glad you're driving a MB.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2005 | 06:16 PM
  #8  
SoCalCLK's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,974
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
2017 W205 C43 AMG
From what I know so far, the front and rear suspension are more sport-tuned with a double-wish bone suspension with hollow stabilizer bar up front and a rear mulit-link suspension.

It may not be the couch on wheels that everyone thinks. Complement that with the 306hp/277tq engine and it might do some damage. Still, these are all paper figures which can be shattered during a test drive.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 21, 2005 | 08:50 PM
  #9  
CitronC230K_03's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
i liek the numbers but dont like the lexus.

Reply
Old Oct 22, 2005 | 01:53 AM
  #10  
white_w203's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
From: East Bay, CA
is SOLD
no doubt its a fast car, but the design went backwards. the original is300 was a great design and the new one is just plain.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2005 | 02:19 AM
  #11  
diamondblak05's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 653
Likes: 46
From: Twin Cities
Too many to list
I had the opportunity to test drive the new IS250, IS350, and the '06 BMW 330i with sport package at the Taste of Lexus event. Here's my take on those 3:

IS250 ---> SLOW, too much body roll on tight turns, soft suspension.

IS350 ---> Great power from take off, "feels" faster than the 330i, not much body roll but still present, suspension still soft compared to the 330i, weak exhaust growl at full open throttle.

330i ----> Great power from take off, hugs the turns better than the IS350, less body roll, suspension feels just right, beautiful exhaust note at full open throttle.

All 3 were done with all the safety features turned ON. I'm no professional driver but from my own driving experience through the same track (test drove all 3 twice), I still pick the 330i as the winner...in terms of handling, power delivery, and shear fun. Luxury wise, I dislike the 330i's interior like no other. Lexus takes this one hands down....and I hate to say it, but my C's interior doesn't even come close either.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2005 | 12:14 PM
  #12  
MBFanatic4Life's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Canton, OH
Volkswagen Golf
My personal opinion only is that I would still buy the C350 even after my Build and Price sessions showing at least a $5k diff. You all think that maybe even the W204 will have a hard time keeping up with the Lex IS350, or do you think MB has a few tricks/secrets up their sleeves??? It sounds like BMW is in trouble with the arrival of the IS350!!!
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2005 | 12:44 PM
  #13  
Guest0001
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by AMGfan
At $36750 MSRP fully loaded vs. the C350 sport starting @ $38K base model, I would have to really lean towards the Lexus.
A IS350 fully loaded is about $44,000.

A C350 fully loaded is about $47,000.

Right now on the Lexus official site, you cannot add options such as ML Radio with Navi $4,000. Nor the Sport package which is about $3,500. Both will be available within the year.

Last edited by Guest0001; Oct 22, 2005 at 12:53 PM.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:43 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE