2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES had been a cornerstone of the brand since its inception, evolving through seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, it remained a respectable seller for Lexus. The ES primarily attracted an older demographic—a challenge for Lexus, which aimed to lure younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. As a result, the design of the ES treaded carefully between tradition and modernity.

The 2022 ES, launched for the 2018 model year on the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, supported a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout, with an option for all-wheel drive. The platform shared its foundation with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. The styling was elegant yet conservative, featuring Lexus' signature "spindle" grille and assertive headlamp shapes. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch to cartoonishly large 19-inch wheels, with 18-inch offering the best balance of style.

Inside, the ES aimed for luxury but settled for functionality and craftsmanship. The asymmetrical dashboard was precisely assembled, featuring bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model. An analog clock added a nod to heritage but felt somewhat out of place in the digital age. While comfortable, the interior design felt inconsistent with the car's sporty F Sport aspirations.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered unmatched versatility, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles. The E350 sedan came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 models featured a 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The AMG-tuned E53 variant, available in all but the All-Terrain wagon, catered to driving enthusiasts with a more powerful engine.

The E53 Cabriolet, tested for this review, looked stunning with its AMG styling, large intricate wheels, and a matte-blue paint finish that made the car glow. Mercedes' modern design ethos added purity to the E-Class, with a balance of aggression and elegance.

Inside, the E-Class Cabriolet was a haven of luxury. From the high-resolution digital displays to the soft leather and artful Burmester speaker grilles, every detail screamed sophistication. The car accommodated four adults comfortably, with special attention to the driver and front passenger's comfort. Heated seats, vented leather, and a neck-warming system were standard, offering both coziness and coolness as needed. Even the car's fragrance system contributed to an opulent experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three main configurations, each distinguished by its powertrain.

1. ES 250 AWD: Equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, this variant used an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved EPA ratings of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined and had a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds with a top speed of 131 mph.

2. ES 350: The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the ES 350 produced a robust 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This model was front-wheel drive only and achieved a quicker 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. Its EPA ratings were slightly lower at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined.

3. ES 300h: This hybrid variant combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain worked with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. It achieved 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph.

The ES 250 AWD tested felt smooth and predictable but lacked power. The four-cylinder engine was noisy under throttle, making it less enjoyable for spirited driving. The V6 in the ES 350 provided more engagement, and the ES 300h delivered commendable fuel economy at the cost of modest performance.

The AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine equipped with EQ Boost. This mild-hybrid technology used a 48-volt electrical system to enhance both performance and efficiency.

• AMG E53 Cabriolet: The engine produced 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, achieving peak power and torque across a wide rev range. This enabled a 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system added to its athletic abilities. Adaptive AMG Dynamic Select driving modes tailored the car's behavior to match the driver's needs, from comfortable cruising to spirited mountain driving.

The E53 Cabriolet excelled in versatility, managing to be both a luxurious cruiser and a capable performance machine. Its AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust contributed to a dynamic yet refined driving experience, whether lazily cruising along the coast or navigating twisty canyon roads.

Despite the SUV boom, the ES sedan remained relevant for its practicality and aesthetics. It boasted a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with the hybrid variant maintaining full trunk capacity as the battery did not impinge on storage. A pass-through behind the center armrest and fold-flat second-row seats increased versatility for carrying larger items.

Inside, the ES offered ample storage, including bottle pockets, center console storage, and a large glove compartment. The dashboard layout was user-friendly, with mature drivers appreciating the prominent volume knob. The sedan's lower center of gravity ensured better handling and fuel efficiency compared to SUVs like the Lexus RX.

The E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering plenty of comfort for both front and rear occupants. Standard features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system made it a pleasant ride in colder weather. Sun-reflective leather and ventilated seats provided comfort in the summer. However, with the top raised, the trunk offered just 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space, further reduced when the top was down.

The base model of the ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a Mark Levinson 17-speaker sound system. The ES used a center console touchpad interface, which was an improvement over older versions but could still be tricky on rough roads.

Additional features included a 10-inch head-up display, a Panoramic View Monitor with parking assist, and Lexus Enform connected services. Lexus Safety Connect provided emergency alerts, while Service Connect and Remote services added convenience.

Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system was state-of-the-art, featuring two 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system was intuitive, mirroring smartphone functionality with swipe and scroll operations. You could interact via the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, voice commands, or physical buttons on the center console. Upgrades included WiFi service, augmented-reality navigation, and a head-up display.

The E53 Cabriolet’s Burmester surround-sound audio system was superb, adding audio luxury to the visually impressive digital displays.

The 2022 Lexus ES excelled in safety, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and an overall five-star rating from NHTSA. The standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a comprehensive suite of active driver aids like pre-collision detection, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided three years of emergency alert services.

Standard safety features in the E-Class included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features like pop-up rollbars and Mercedes' Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound systems enhanced occupant protection.

Optional features in the Driver Assistance Package offered advanced aids like adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, cross-traffic braking, and more. The test car included this package, adding impressive adaptive driving aids and emergency stop assistance.