2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, harkened back to the E-Class models from two generations prior with its rounded, smooth body. While some critics felt it was overly streamlined, the E-Class maintained a recognizable family resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan, in particular, looked especially rich with the traditional hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, though most models featured a sport grille with a large Mercedes emblem. The LED lighting, from the twin running lamps to the grainy film effect on the tail, added a delicate touch. The proportions, whether on the Luxury model's higher-riding suspension or the sportier versions with ground effects and quad exhausts, always hit a visual sweet spot.

The cabriolet version of the E-Class particularly benefited from its fluid, creaseless form, with the contrasting soft top revealing a sumptuous interior. When specified with multi-tone leathers and sweeping intersections of aluminum and deep-polished wood, the E-Class interior was a delight. Two feet of high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by four circular air vents and a row of knurled silver toggles for climate control. The ambient lighting, available in 64 colors with various animations, added to the luxurious feel. Features like heated armrests, massaging seats, and striking colors made the E-Class a place for solitude and comfort, even in its base form with leatherette and standard seats.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and great stance. Designers aimed to capture motion in the car's design, and the IS appeared to be moving even when stationary. The elegance of the IS was evident in the distance between the front axle and dashboard, which conveyed a sense of sophistication. The fast roofline struck a balance between a coupe-like dome and a fastback, while the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added a sporty touch. The new spindle grille, filled with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive look. The paint, chrome, and panel gaps were flawless, as expected from Lexus.

Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a center stack that resembled a retro hi-fi rack. The interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices and a modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock felt outdated in this context of modernity. The IS's interior was designed with authentic lines and build quality, making it a comfortable and stylish place to be.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350, which replaced the E300. The E350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The revised turbo with a twin-scroll design and shorter intake runners provided quicker response, and the E350 held its gears longer regardless of driving mode. In Comfort mode, the E-Class was relaxed, but engaging Sport and Sport+ modes kept the engine in its power band. However, the E350's performance above 40 mph was less impressive, and passing maneuvers could be challenging.

The E450, with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, offered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, providing a more balanced and effortless driving experience. The E-Class's standard setup with passive dampers and steel springs was cushy, and the car handled turns with precision. For those seeking more performance, the AMG E53 and AMG E63 S models were available. The AMG E53 featured a hybrid setup with an electric motor-generator, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG E63 S, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, and included a drift mode for added excitement. Fuel economy varied from 19 to 32 mpg depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of engines, starting with the IS 300 RWD, which featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, used the same V6 engine but tuned to produce 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. RWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 143 mph.

During test drives, the IS 350 RWD felt crisp, precise, and balanced, thanks to its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear independent suspension and electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering. Fuel efficiency for the IS varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The IS 300 AWD was rated at 19/26/22, while the IS 350 RWD achieved 20/28/23, and the IS 350 AWD was rated at 19/26/22.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complicated version of the COMAND infotainment system, which could be unwieldy on the car's large screens. The lack of touchscreens was a significant drawback, making tasks like changing audio settings and inputting addresses a multi-step process. The system was highly distracting and required familiarity to operate efficiently. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality with features like seat and seat climate controls mounted on the door panels and a front passenger seat that slid forward to make extra room when the rear seats folded down. The E-Class offered plenty of space, great sightlines, and high-resolution digital gauges. The coupe had a usable rear seat with its own window controls, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. A net in the front passenger footwell was a handy feature for securing water bottles.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on a driver-centered form and function, with a great driver position and comfortable, supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS used perforated NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that mimicked leather without the added cost and care. The IS provided ample storage space, including an open cubby at the bottom of the center stack, twin cupholders in the center console, large door pockets, a decent glovebox, and an under-armrest compartment. The second row was comfortable for two passengers but cramped for three, with legroom negotiated with front-seat occupants. Trunk space was adequate at 10.8 cubic feet and surprisingly deep, with a temporary spare stored beneath the trunk's load floor.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted sensational tech features, despite its initially unapproachable interface. The semi-automated driving system could steer itself, help steer around obstacles, change lanes automatically, slow down for curves, and sense people and objects from all directions. These features were part of the optional Driver Assistance Package. Other tech-forward features included a V2X system for communication with nearby Mercedes models, reconfigurable digital dash designs, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The multi-contour seats engaged side bolsters before leaning, and the Burmester stereo offered surround-sound modes. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, were more novelty than necessity, but overall, the E-Class was overengineered with useful tech.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system that supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with the touchpad remaining as an option. Lexus offered various connected services with free trial periods, including Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The subscription model for technology had some pitfalls, with features like Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist included only for the first three years of ownership. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles, providing superb sound quality and even including a CD player.

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 had not been tested but were expected to perform similarly. Mercedes included innovative safety features like Pre-Safe Sound, which played a "pink noise" during a crash to protect eardrums, and side bolsters that inflated during a side collision. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with 14 optional driver-assist features.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was expected to perform well based on the previous generation's platform. The IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Other safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, LED lighting, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.