2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label with a more aggressive design. 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 boasted 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation introduced in 2017, featured a design that balanced fluid, curvier forms with a touch of edginess. The front end had squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear had horizontal taillights cutting into the trunk lid. The standing hood ornament was no longer available, replaced by a large star emblem in the grille. The cabin was a showcase of luxurious materials and style, with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber accents. The dual 12-inch screens provided crisp detail and brilliant color, making the E-Class's interior unmatched in its price range.

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 through 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's upgraded suspension and paddle shifters made for a livelier drive.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class saw a significant change with the switch from conventional V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains for the E450 model. The hybrid system provided extra power and torque for brief periods, allowing the engine to shut off more often to save fuel and reduce emissions. The E450's 3.0-liter I6 engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with additional overboost from the battery. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG E63 S, with its 4.0-liter V8 engine, produced 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, making it a high-performance variant. The E-Class offered a range of driving experiences, from the comfortable E350 to the sporty AMG models.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. 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 midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to carry larger items.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provided a spacious cabin for four adults, with ample headroom and legroom. The coupe and convertible models had less rear seat space, but the wagon offered a stowable rear-facing jump seat and more cargo space. The E sedan had 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the two-door models had 10 cubic feet or less with the roof down. The E-Class's interior featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen, making everyday tasks easier and faster. The cabin was user-friendly, with separate climate controls, drive mode switches, and seat controls on the doors.

The 2020 Lexus ES's technology centered around the Lexus Remote Touch system, which used a touch-sensitive pad to control the infotainment display. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easier to use. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, which included a touchscreen interface, natural voice processing, and online searches. The system offered a range of features, including massaging seats, seat kinetics, and a live feed from the front camera with overlay arrows and street names. The E-Class also provided standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional driving assists and connected services.

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. The ES had a full array of front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was one of the safest cars on sale, with a five-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 E-Class featured innovations such as Pre-Safe Sound, side bolsters that shift the driver or passenger during a side collision, and steering and brakes that counter crosswinds. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with 14 optional driver-assist features.