2022 Lexus ES vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup since its debut in 1990, had evolved over seven generations by 2022. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES remained a popular choice among an older demographic. This presented a challenge for Lexus, as the brand sought to attract younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. The ES, built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offered a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with an option for all-wheel drive. Its design featured elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. Inside, the ES boasted a well-assembled interior with bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model, though the dashboard's asymmetrical design and analog chronometer added a touch of clutter.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, following a complete makeover in 2021, continued to impress with its sleek design and luxurious features. As Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, the S-Class had a rich history dating back to the 1954 "Ponton" models. The seventh-generation S-Class, known as the W223, maintained its status as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Its exterior design was characterized by a long, low profile, with a prominent Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament. Inside, the S-Class offered a stunning dashboard with open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, providing a truly luxurious experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, achieving 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, excelling in fuel economy with 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. While the ES 250 AWD provided standard all-wheel drive, its performance felt underwhelming for a luxury sedan, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350's V6 offered a more engaging drive, while the ES 300h prioritized fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, available in S500 and S580 models, showcased impressive performance with its advanced powertrains. The S500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The S580, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, also benefited from EQ Boost. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 accelerated swiftly, with 0-60 mph times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with the S500 achieving 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, and the S580 rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2022 Lexus ES provided practical advantages with its sedan form, offering 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, which remained unchanged in the hybrid ES 300h. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, enhancing cargo capacity. The ES's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, including big bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious center console. While the dashboard's design was not its strongest point, its layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and comfortable cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk offered ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. The driver and front passenger benefited from active multicontour seats with massage, memory, and lumbar support. The Luxury Line added features like a heated steering wheel and rear-seat heating, while the Executive Line catered to rear passengers with advanced entertainment and comfort options. The S-Class's soft-close doors added a touch of convenience, ensuring a quiet and refined experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES featured a touchpad interface, which, while improved, remained challenging to use on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. The ES also offered a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist for added convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted cutting-edge technology, with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen as the centerpiece of the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen provided superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel offered customizable themes, with an optional 3D instrument cluster adding depth and visual interest. The S-Class featured augmented video for navigation and an available augmented reality head-up display, providing advanced driver assistance. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system enhancing the experience. The S-Class also offered rear-axle steering, improving maneuverability.

The 2022 Lexus ES excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags further enhanced safety.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured an extensive array of safety and driver assistance systems. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while active distance assist Distronic, active steering assist, and active brake assist provided advanced support. The S-Class also included Pre-Safe systems, car-to-x communication, and optional rear-passenger airbags, ensuring comprehensive safety for all occupants.