2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation introduced in 2017, embraced a new "sensual purity" design theme with smoother, more fluid lines reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models. The refreshed 2021 model opted for a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear exuded hints of the W212 with horizontal taillights that extended into the trunk lid. New bumpers, exhaust tips, and wheels added to its attractive, elegant appearance available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible forms. A notable design change: the iconic standing hood ornament was no longer available in the "Luxury" trims. Despite the popularity of the sportier front-grille star emblem, especially in AMG models with vertical grille slats, the E-Class remained a reserved and sophisticated car. Its interior was lavish, featuring rich woods, aluminum, carbon fiber, and intricate details like metal speaker grilles and fabulous ambient lighting. The E-Class's cabin was a celebration of premium materials and modern tech, with two 12-inch screens offering crisp and colorful displays.

The 2021 Lexus ES also saw some significant updates with the introduction of the new ES 250 series featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Offered across Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, it compared in cost to the front-wheel-drive ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6. The ES 300h hybrid model provided superior fuel efficiency and came in similar trims. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition stood out with exclusive exterior and interior design elements, like black wheels, a rear spoiler, and a contrast-rich black-and-white cabin. Despite its bold grille design requiring some acclimation, the long, lean, and artfully detailed Lexus ES was a head-turner. Its interior, finished in high-quality materials and artistic design, conveyed luxury and comfort. Full-featured and richly appointed, the ES catered to style-conscious buyers with a penchant for comfort.

The biggest update for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came in the form of powertrain upgrades. The E450 switched from a conventional V6 to a hybridized inline-six setup, leveraging a 48-volt system to offer extra power and torque (+21 hp and 184 lb-ft) without the emissions drawbacks. This new 3.0-liter inline-six, single-turbo engine equaled its predecessor in output (362 hp, 369 lb-ft) and provided a smooth, quiet ride. However, the base E350's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine continued to lag behind competitors in performance.

Our AMG E53 combined the E450's engine with an additional electric turbo, making for brisk acceleration and a respectable exhaust note with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. For true enthusiasts, the AMG E63 S raised the stakes with a hand-built 4.0-liter V8 delivering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, along with cutting-edge performance features like a race mode and a rear-biased AWD system.

Fuel economy across the E-Class lineup varied, with the AMG models returning lower figures (E53: 25 mpg combined, E63: 18 mpg combined) while the E450 4Matic and E350 4Matic sedans provided better efficiency (26 mpg combined and 25 mpg combined, respectively).

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, and drivers could select from Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes. The F Sport trim added Sport+ and Custom modes along with an adaptive damping suspension. Lexus reported a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed an average of 22.9 mpg.

While the ES 350 F Sport might not reach the sportiness of outright sports sedans, it delivered unexpected competence and genuine driving pleasure. With quick acceleration, firm ride, and flat cornering stance, it was a fun-to-drive car, albeit more of a sporty sedan rather than a pure sports sedan.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class notably enhanced everyday usability with a redesigned infotainment system and touchscreen interface. Earlier models were complex, but the 2021 version streamlined access to essential functions. Despite minor ergonomic setbacks, like reshaped steering wheel touchpads, essential controls remained user-friendly. The spacious cabin easily accommodated four adults with supportive seating and decent headroom. The sedan offered 13 cubic feet of trunk space, the coupe slightly less, and the wagon excelled with 35 cubic feet (64 with seats folded). While the convertible's elegant soft top compromised rear seat usability, the E450 All-Terrain wagon provided added ground clearance and cargo versatility, boasting a classic rear-facing jump seat.

The 2021 Lexus ES, particularly in its F Sport guise, offered a comfortable and daring interior with sport-bolstered seats offering heating, ventilation, and 10-way power adjustments. Its cabin provided ample legroom, rear air vents, and an optional rear sunshade, although it lacked a panoramic roof. Storage was somewhat awkwardly configured but adequate. The trunk space of 13.9 cubic feet won't set records, comparing only marginally with a Toyota Corolla, but the available hands-free power trunk feature elevated usability.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class embraced the latest MBUX infotainment system, introducing touch screen functionality and more intuitive menus. Features like gesture controls, natural voice processing, live camera feeds with augmented reality, and customizable instrument displays enhanced user experience. Despite the absence of over-the-air updates, the system offered impressive functionality with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not wirelessly.

In contrast, the Lexus ES's touchpad-based interface was cumbersome and distracting, though it had segmented climate and stereo controls. The ES introduced dynamic voice command technology, an improvement over the touchpad. The available 12.3-inch display and connected services (like dynamic navigation) coupled with Amazon Alexa and standard smartphone integration formed a solid tech package, but the lack of touchscreen functionality was a missed opportunity. The optional Mark Levinson sound system was a notable upgrade, delivering premium audio quality.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class emerged as one of the safest cars available, earning top ratings in multiple crash tests. The sedan and wagon received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for 2020. Innovations like Pre-Safe Sound, side bolsters that inflate during a crash, and advanced driving assists (some of them optional) set a high standard in vehicular safety.

The Lexus ES, equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System 2.0, offered advanced driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a road sign recognition system. For 2021, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert became standard on most trims. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA, confirming its robust safety credentials.