The IS250 once enjoyed a sophisticated win over the C-class. Can the new C230 2.5 turn the tables?
RICHARD LEU
Why are they here?
When it comes to luxury cars, Thais like them high on kit count, pampering to be in and comfortable on the move. That even applies to those at the entry-level like the Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-class.
Actually, the IS and C-class share many similarities, aside the fact that they compete in the same segment called junior executive car or premium mid-size saloon.
The cars have been designed with comfort in mind, they share a similar 2.5-litre petrol V6 and rear-wheel drivetrain and are targeted at buyers wanting something a little smaller and sportier than executive cars like the GS and E-class.
Lastly, this duo is priced head-to-head: IS250 asks for B3.49m in Premium trim and C230 2.5 costs just B90,000 more in Avant Garde uniform - and the C-class is assembled in Thailand, unlike the fully built-up imported status of the IS.
You start to wonder: is Lexus making any money out of the IS in Thailand? Or is Mercedes enjoying fat margins? But let's get to the gist of things instead: which one is the better choice?
But before we get started, we ought to let you know that the last time the IS250 met the previous generation C230 2.5, Lexus walked away with the laurels with its balanced driving characteristics for real-world driving, visual aesthetics and specification.
The C-class this time is the new one, while the IS250 is the facelifted version of the one that took the honours the last time. Let's begin.
What do our heads tell us?
No one needs to be reminded the rich image Mercedes-Benz has in Thailand which is responsible for its high levels of desirability. Their cars highly sought after, explaining the brand's lead in terms of resale value in the luxury car market.
That's why the Red Book gives the C230 a far lower degree of depreciation after five years than the IS250. Couple that with a nearly identical initial purchase value and all the necessary specification for a luxury car, the C230 is the logical one to go for.
And despite the fact that the IS250 has lower fuel consumption, that comparatively small edge the Lexus has shouldn't be a bother to punters of the Mercedes, especially when you consider that we are talking about six-pot petrol, not economical diesel performance.
In terms of practicality, the C230 is also the better of the two. The more restrained body appearance of the C-class is evidence of the car's airier and more spacious interior, particularly in the rear.
The IS, in contrast, has been designed with sportiness in mind which means that the sleeker and lower profile make the cabin sort of cramped for people to sit in. Yes, six-footers can sit in comfort behind, but the C-class is simply better. And don't talk about getting comfy in the IS if you have a fifth occupant on board.
The driving environment in the C-class is not as fussy as in the IS, thanks to a tidier dashboard layout. As well, the driving position has greater scope for adjustment.
When it comes to driving, both cars offer a similar degree of effortlessness including light-enough and direct steering, comfortable ride and V6 performance that's grunty enough for restrained drivers.
One factor that separates the two cars when driving at high speeds is the better external noise suppression in the IS250.
What do our hearts tell us?
This is rather subjective, but the IS is simply a better-looking car. The aforementioned rakish profile, sharp design cues and wedgy lines around the car and the front and rear tyres in bespoke sizes all play a role - even from a distance.
We tried hard to embrace the new design language of the C-class, yet it is still difficult to fall in love with it from the kerbside. Perhaps, the best angle to appreciate it is from rear quarter view. But we aren't going to stand there all day.
Jump inside the cars, and the Lexus does it again. You sit in more snugly behind the wheel with an aura of sportiness from panel dials that feels more purposeful and a three-spoke steering with stand-out paddle-shifters for the gearbox.
The seats also cling to your body in a more caressing manner. And even though the IS is more like a 2+2, rear occupants get the same kind of cocoon feeling as front passengers.
In the presence of the IS, the C-class is more about function, meaning that it doesn't feel special enough inside, especially with the more staid-looking fascia and wooden steering wheel. The seats, as well, are not as shapely.
But when it comes to parts and finish quality, the C-class is ahead of the IS. You get plastics with grainy surfaces that look better and more solid than the shinier bits in the IS, which also suffers from inconsistent panel gaps on the dash and door panels.
Despite both cars behaving rather similarly on the move, things start to feel a little different when you get more enthusiastic about driving and when you start to drive faster than usual.
Let's get one thing clear first. Despite their V6 engines tending to promise action on paper, both are on the lazy side once you need more pace like during overtaking in upcountry driving.
Mercedes's seven-speed automatic sounds fancy against the Lexus's six-speeder, but it isn't necessarily better - or on fuel economy either. However, the sport mode in the Merc seems to make driving a tad more responsive than the Lexie's power mode.
Once and for all, Mercedes has fitted the C230 with stoppers that have proper and natural feel, especially when braking from high speeds. The IS's brakes suffice, but the C's do it better.
The fact that Lexus has made the IS feel sporty on the move with that firm, yet, comfortable ride, and sharp rack has paid dividends for the car's intentions.
This was something lacking in the old C-class, but not anymore. The Merc is still about comfort, but now it is much better to drive. The steering is equally direct and precise at all times.
What makes the C230 dynamically better is when you push the car to higher limits: there's significantly more grip and better body control at high speeds and handling feels more sure-footed in corners.
At least, Lexus has taken the effort to fit the IS with VDIM, which can simply be labeled as the next-generation stability control system. Which is a good thing, since attaining the limits in the IS is within easier reach than the C-class.
In fact, the more detailed specification of the IS250 makes it a more complete car that the C230. Other examples are seat air ventilation and knee airbags for the front occupants.
What do we really care for?
One thing that's been maintained in the IS250 is visual aesthetics, even though it has passed mid-life. It manages to blend sportiness into a somewhat compromised package.
The IS250 is that kind of car that you'd wish to look at first, drive in and get out while still clinging on to those keys. It's quite satisfying, so to speak.
Yet, you still ponder about the C230, especially when you've managed to overcome your emotions, that it isn't as exciting to look at or to be in as in the IS250.
Objectively, the C230 has a more rounded and sensible package as a saloon. And once you're on the move, the car convinces you more than before and helps itself to get a victory here over the IS250.
The C230 is just as comfortable and easy to drive in day-to-day driving, but comes with additional dynamic sparkle the harder and more enthusiastically it is driven, which is something lacking in the IS250.
So, it appears the C230 is back to business.
By bangkokpost.com
