2020 Lexus ES vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label for a more aggressive look. The large spindle grille, which had been growing since 2016, was even more prominent in the 2020 model, fitting well with the car's larger proportions. The rear design was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows. Inside, the ES offered a blend of modern technology and soft-touch materials, with a large infotainment screen integrated into the dash. The interior was second only to Mercedes-Benz in terms of execution.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, redesigned in 2017, featured a smooth, rounded body reminiscent of earlier models. While some critics felt it was too streamlined, its resemblance to the S-Class and C-Class made it instantly recognizable. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers. The sedan's hood ornament and chrome grille added a touch of tradition, while LED lighting and various wheel options kept the design fresh. The cabriolet version, with its contrasting soft top, showcased the car's luxurious interior, which featured multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and polished wood. The two-foot digital screen stretched across the dash, complemented by circular air vents and silver toggles for climate control.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride, thanks to its Dynamic Control Shocks. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes, including Sport+ for a more engaging driving experience. While not a high-performance machine, the ES handled corners well and offered a smooth ride.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a range of engines, starting with the E350's 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The E450's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, providing a more effortless driving experience. AMG models, such as the E53 and E63 S, offered even more power, with the E63 S boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The E-Class's performance was complemented by its light steering and supple suspension, with optional air springs and adaptive dampers available. Fuel economy varied by powertrain, with the E63 S achieving 16/23 mpg.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back without compromising rear-seat legroom, and rear-seat headroom was improved in the 2019 redesign. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a functional interior with plenty of space and great sightlines. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon featured a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The infotainment system, while complicated, provided high-res displays and multiple customization options. The E-Class also included practical features like seat and seat climate controls on the door panels and a net in the front passenger footwell for water bottles. The sedan had 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, while the coupe and cabriolet offered slightly less.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlled by a touch-sensitive pad in the center console. The system was paired with either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch display, and included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. A head-up display was available, providing crisp graphics and customization options.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system and a V2X system for communication with nearby Mercedes models. The dash could be reconfigured in multiple designs, and the Burmester stereo offered surround-sound modes. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included multi-contour seats, a front camera, and the Energizing Comfort Package, which adjusted climate settings and lighting to match preset moods. AMG models featured a Track Pace app for race track guidance.

Every 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. The system also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist. Additional safety features included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were expected to perform similarly. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, such as Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during side collisions, and crosswind countermeasures. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.