2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). This model was priced similarly to the ES 350, which had a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). The ES 250 and ES 350 were available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims. Additionally, the ES 300h hybrid variant offered improved fuel economy at a premium. Lexus also made blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all trims except the base model. The Black Line Special Edition of the ES 350 debuted with unique styling elements and limited production.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The E350 sedan featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants had a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, with 4Matic AWD available. AMG-tuned E53 models provided enhanced performance. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim, had a base price of $85,400, but options could push the MSRP to nearly $110,000. The E53 Cabriolet combined luxury and performance, making it a standout in the lineup.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Drivers could select from Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available on models with adaptive damping suspension. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, and the EPA rated the ES 350 at 25 mpg combined. During testing, the ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its official acceleration time, though it struggled with traction due to its FWD layout. The car's firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism were impressive, though it remained a sporty sedan rather than a true sports sedan.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models boasted a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power delivery was robust across the rev range, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. An AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured power reached the pavement effectively. The E53 Cabriolet featured AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, AMG-tuned air suspension, and an AMG performance exhaust system. The car's dual personality allowed it to be a quiet cruiser or a spirited performer, depending on the driving mode selected.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport offered sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and an available power rear window sunshade. Outward visibility was excellent, and storage was plentiful, though oddly configured. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet accommodated four adults comfortably, with an Aircap system to reduce turbulence when the top was down. The front seats featured heating, rapid-heating, and ventilation, along with a neck-warming Airscarf system. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet in hot weather. The test car included multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, but this reduced significantly when the top was down.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required drivers to look at the screen to navigate, which could be distracting. However, the climate and stereo controls were separate and easy to use. The ES included dynamic voice command technology, an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display, and a standard 8-inch display. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of MBUX, offering high-resolution displays. Interaction options included the touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, and steering wheel buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available. The MBUX system was user-friendly, though the digital assistant could be accidentally activated.

The 2021 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims except the base model. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were also standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for a collision. Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were included. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus.